Metaverse - In Search of a Definition | Dr. Jane Thomason

Despite the attention it has garnered, the world still lacks a globally accepted definition of the metaverse. To address this, the ITU Focus Group on the Metaverse recently studied and analyzed approximately 150 existing definitions of the metaverse from various sources. The Technical Report analyzed the significant aspects of metaverse definitions from (i) the perspective of academics, (ii) the business initiative approach, and (iii) international organization collaborations, with the final aim of establishing a concrete definition for the metaverse that can be used worldwide. The Technical Report studied and analyzed approximately 150 existing definitions of the metaverse from various sources to determine a common theme identifying the metaverse. In addition, the Technical Report identified vital terms and categories that should be considered for the metaverse. A list of 98 key terms was analyzed, and 24 were selected to be included in a standardized definition. Although this Technical Report is based on scientific and secondary data sources, it can be beneficial for understanding the concept of the metaverse.

Metaverse: Beyond Reality

The metaverse is a compound word formed by the words "meta" (meaning "beyond") and "verse" (short for "universe"), literally meaning a universe beyond the real world.

The metaverse is seen as a network of virtual worlds where people can perform various tasks, ranging from work to entertainment, either alone or with colleagues and friends. In the future, people are expected to be able to simultaneously live multiple, different lives in different universes, beyond the real world, in the world of the metaverse.

Navigating the Terminology

There is no standardized, commonly accepted set of terminologies that would help to aptly describe the metaverse. The bibliometric analysis of the combination of keywords "Metaverse" most widely includes:

1. Technologies (AI, Blockchain, Digital Twin)
2. Virtual/mixed/augmented reality
3. Virtual worlds
4. Applied domains (i.e., training/e-learning)

Definitions were obtained from a variety of sources, including:

• Academia and research communities
• Government initiatives, including the EU
• International organizations (e.g., United Nations, ITU)
• Corporate/company profiles
• User-centric definitions (from leading market research firms)
• Trade associations
• Standardization Bodies (SDOs)

Categorizing the Metaverse

The report concluded that the following categories best characterize the metaverse:

• Conceptualizing & architecture
• Technology
• People & Society
• Business and Services
• Environment
• Application Features
• Implementation, Governance & Management

Defining the Metaverse for the Digital Age

Based on the research, the metaverse can be defined as an Internet-based ecosystem of virtual worlds that utilize emerging ICT (i.e., different types of reality systems, for example, virtual, augmented, extended, mixed, AI, blockchain) in a manner that:

1. Generates new types of digital experiences for the users (e.g., purchases, visits, entertainment, participation in shows).
2. Offers a new digital space where people can perform their digital transactions (e.g., social, monetary, entertainment, gaming, education) with other people (human-to-human) or with digital agents (human-to-machine).
3. Simplifies and enhances the efficiency of digital transactions with the availability of new types of human-computer interaction environments.
4. Enables new digital product development and new digital service delivery for the organizations (public and private).
5. Generates new value opportunities (monetary, social, and public) for the organizations that utilize it.
6. Establishes new types of social connections between individuals and organizations.

We are keen to hear any comments on the definition.

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