Level of understanding of metaverse in China 2021

Metaverse is one of the buzzwords in the tech world in 2021. It is widely regarded as the next digital revolution after the internet. According to a survey conducted in 2021 among Chinese netizens, over 70 percent of respondents stated that they had a sufficient understanding about metaverse.

What is metaverse?

Metaverse is a three-dimensional version of the internet - the convergence of the digital and physical world. With the elements of social media, online gaming, virtual reality, and cryptocurrency, it creates an immersive digital space where users can interact and socialize. Originally coined by Neal Stephenson in his 1992 sci-fi novel ‘Snow Crash’, metaverse is nothing new and has been popularized by online games since then. It was not until late 2021, however, when Mark Zuckerberg announced the rebranding of Facebook to Meta, that has now made ‘metaverse’ became a household name.

What do people think about metaverse in China?

Chinese consumers are generally open-minded towards new technologies. After prolonged isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are tired of the web-based lifestyle and searching for more personal online interactions. Survey results showed that over 60 percent of Chinese internet users indicated a clear intention to socialize in the metaverse. Business applications are expected to come after user experience and entertainment features are well-developed. Despite all enthusiasm, many Chinese respondents are aware of the hidden problems of metaverse. Given China’s tightly regulated internet space, the metaverse in the country will be no exception to censorship and compliance.