Applying the Metaverse to Real-world Citizen Participation – First Results from a Field Experiment

Abstract

The idea of the Metaverse is expected to find applications in many domains and industries. Cities and municipal politics can benefit through a variety of applications. This paper examines the acceptance of virtual reality (VR) in the context of citizen participation in municipal politics. It contributes to the research on the practical implementation of immersive technologies in municipal contexts. Key factors influencing VR acceptance are identified, and insights into demographic variations in technology perception are provided. A citizen participation event in a virtual environment was conducted as a field experiment involving citizens discussing actual political topics with municipality officials. Utilizing the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), the study analyzed data from questionnaires to assess the acceptance of VR and its effectiveness in facilitating local political discourse. Results indicate a positive reception of VR among citizens, with a notable preference for immersive VR headset experiences over participation via laptop. The study results show the potential of the Metaverse to increase citizens' willingness to get involved in municipal matters.