Measuring the effectiveness of Metaverse on urban interactions in Kish

Subject Areas : Urban planning

Maryam Foroudgahi ¹ , azita rajabi ^{2 *} , Kianoosh Zakerhaghighi ³ , Ali Sheikh Azami ⁴

1 - PhD Student, Department of Geography and Urban Planning, North Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
2 - Department of Geography, CT.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
3 - Professor, Department of Urban Planning, South Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Iran
4 - Assistant Professor, Department of Geography and Urban Planning, North Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

Received: 2025-01-27 Accepted : 2025-06-12 Published : 2025-12-26

Keywords: city, Kish, smart, metaverse, interaction,

Abstract :

With the expansion of digital technologies and the emergence of the metaverse as a new platform for social interactions, examining the impact of this space on urban interactions in Kish, as an important tourist destination, seems essential. The aim of this research is to analyze the use of the metaverse in improving the social and economic interactions of residents and visitors in Kish. This study employs a mixed-method approach, both quantitative and qualitative, to investigate the effects of the metaverse on urban interactions in Kish. The statistical population of this research includes residents, businesses, and technology experts in Kish who are connected to the metaverse and social interactions. In the quantitative section, the sample size consists of 120 individuals from the urban planning field, selected using the Delphi method. In the qualitative section, a sample size of 45 participants has been considered until theoretical saturation is reached. The sampling method in both the quantitative and qualitative sections is purposive. In the quantitative section, data are collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using mean ranking with SPSS software, while in the qualitative section, semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis are employed to extract deeper insights from participants' opinions. The results indicate that urban factors, with a mean rank of 4.12, technological factors with a mean of 3.27, and cultural factors with a mean of 3.16, have the highest impact on urban interactions in Kish. Furthermore, the results show that 51% of respondents emphasize the growth of the local economy through metaverse-based businesses, 44% highlight the use of the metaverse as a new digital space, and 38% point to the reduction of operational costs in smart cities, indicating the significant importance of these factors in assessing the effectiveness of the metaverse on urban interactions in Kish. The findings suggest that using the metaverse as a new digital space and the growth of the local economy through metaverse-based businesses are key influential factors for improving urban interactions in Kish.

 

Extended Abstract

Introduction

With the expansion of digital technologies and the emergence of the metaverse as a new platform for social interactions, examining the impact of this space on urban interactions in Kish, as an important tourist destination, appears to be essential. Due to its geographical location and unique tourist attractions, Kish Island requires improvement in social and economic interactions between residents and visitors. The aim of this research is to analyze the use of the metaverse in enhancing these interactions and to identify the challenges and opportunities in this regard.

 

Methodology

This study employs a mixed-method approach, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative methods. The statistical population of this research includes residents, businesses, and technology experts in Kish who are connected to the metaverse and social interactions. In the quantitative section, the sample size consists of 120 individuals from the urban planning field, selected using the Delphi method. In the qualitative section, a sample size of 45 participants has been considered until theoretical saturation is reached. The sampling method in both sections is purposive. In the quantitative section, data are collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using mean ranking with SPSS software. In the qualitative section, semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis are employed to extract deeper insights from participants' opinions.

 

Results and discussion

The findings indicate that urban factors, with a mean rank of 4.12, technological factors with a mean of 3.27, and cultural factors with a mean of 3.16 have the highest impact on urban interactions in Kish. Additionally, 51% of respondents emphasized the growth of the local economy through metaverse-based businesses, 44% highlighted the use of the metaverse as a new digital space, and 38% pointed to the reduction of operational costs in smart cities. These results underscore the significant importance of these factors in assessing the effectiveness of the metaverse on urban interactions in Kish.

 

Conclusion

The results of this research indicate that using the metaverse as a new digital space and the growth of the local economy through metaverse-based businesses are key factors for improving urban interactions in Kish. This technology can enhance urban planning and design by facilitating accurate data collection through the creation of digital twins, while also providing new opportunities for sustainable urban space design. However, challenges such as the need for stakeholder coordination, privacy issues, and digital inequality must also be considered. Integrating the metaverse into urban infrastructures can improve resource management, public services, and quality of life, as well as create opportunities for virtual workplaces and online schools. Ultimately, collaboration among stakeholders is essential to address these challenges and leverage the opportunities presented by the metaverse for sustainable urban development.

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