Metaverse: Literature Review, Synthesis and Future Research Agenda

Metaverse has been a hot topic of discussion among academics and practitioners with the advancements of VR, AR, blockchain, 5G, as well as non-face-to-face communications. This paper intends to give a synthesis and systematic review of the current status of metaverse-related research. The Systematic Literature Review (SLR) has been employed in this study. The review reveals the importance to (i) enhance the amount of comprehensive academic studies on metaverse (ii) have a clear definition of metaverse, (iii) keep up with technologies advancements, (iv) be more detailed on promotion of the metaverse application, (v) increase studies relating to engagement of metaverse users, (vi) social and personal impacts of metaverse be further explored, (vii) pay more attention to studies on deviant behaviors resulting from metaverse. This paper offers a summary of metaverse definitions, what theories and the underlying technologies are needed for the metaverse, how and where metaverse is employed in specific areas, and challenges faced in the use of metaverse (e.g., psychological effects metaverse brings about). Based on the findings, this study demonstrates the dynamics of metaverse research and discusses future research directions in the six in-depth research agenda relating to technological and social issues.