Techno-Eustress and Techno-Distress: A Metaverse Investigation

Abstract

The metaverse is emerging as a novel research frontier and a breakthrough technology across numerous markets and industries. Yet, due to its novelty, we know little about the users' behavioral responses toward such a disruptive innovation. Through the theoretical perspective of the extended model of occupational stress, this study empirically examines the effects of technostressors on techno-eustress and techno-distress, with the locus of control as a moderator in the context of the metaverse. Data were collected on 134 participants from multiple business schools in France who participated in the e-survey. The authors prefer to approach the metaverse from a user's (consumer's) perspective rather an employee's. Consequently, big tech companies can better understand how their innovative products or services are perceived by their customers, which leads to further enhancements and upgrades.