Quarterly Journal of Social Development (Previously Human Development)

Quarterly Journal of Social Development (Previously Human Development)

Sociological Analysis of Opportunities and Threats of Metaverse in Economic and Social Development of Iran

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Amir Khodakhah 1
Majid Radfar 2
Masomeh Reshad 3
1 PhD Student, Department of Sociology, Roudhen Branch, Islamic Azad University, Roudhen, Iran
2 Professor, Department of Sociology, Roudehen Branch, Islamic Azad University, Roudehen, Iran
3 Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, Roudehen Branch, Islamic Azad University, Roudhen, Iran
10.22055/qjsd.2025.45990.2916
Abstract
Metaverse, as a new technology in the digital world, will soon transform human life in a way that entering the metaverse can be seen as entering a new era. Therefore, managing lifestyle in this new space is essential in terms of technical and content aspects. Based on this, the present study deals with the sociological analysis of opportunities and threats of metaverse in the socio-economic development of Iran. This research is an applied research in terms of objective and a descriptive-survey research in terms of method. Implementing the Delphi technique, presenting the sociological model of opportunities and threats of metaverse in the socio-economic development of Iran, and conducting a SWOT analysis are the main objectives of this study. In this regard, determining interactive protocols and standards, clarifying the legal dimensions of this space and the produced content, strengthening governance in this realm are among the most important tasks ahead of policymakers and legislators. Accordingly, ensuring cyber security and privacy, identifying potential risks in the metaverse, strengthening governance with a balance of security and freedom in the metaverse, and raising public awareness and education through the media for users to properly utilize the metaverse will be essential.
Keywords
Digital World
Opportunities
Threats
Metaverse
Socio-Economic Development
Subjects
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Quarterly Journal of Social Development (Previously Human Development)
Volume 19, Issue 4 - Serial Number 75
Vol. 19, No. 4, Summer 2025
Summer 2025
Pages 203-230