More than 25% of internet users will be on the 'Metaverse' daily by 2026

Leonardo Pereira

Research by Gartner released in February 2022 predicts that by the year 2026, 25% of internet users will spend at least one hour per day on the so-called ‘Metaverse’. Considering how new the nomenclature is to the general public, it shows a progressive and quick adherence to a new business model and lifestyle.

What is the Metaverse?

The definition of Metaverse in the studies published by Gartner is one of a collective and virtual shared space created by the merging of intensified physical and digital reality experiences.

A concept common to online gamers, the possibility to access it from any device — such as tablets, smartphones, and virtual reality glasses — concurrently with the Covid-19 pandemic that showed many professional activities could be done from home without any financial loss, opened a new door to the average person to think of a possibility to operate in a completely virtual world.

Who is on the Metaverse?

The idea of a completely intangible, yet real and functional, world isn’t only in the everyday internet user’s mind. It’s also already on many business owners’ and vendors’ radar to join the Metaverse with their companies.

Not only tech giants such as Meta (aka Facebook Inc.), Apple, and Microsoft are marking their territory on the Metaverse. There are many common companies from different segments working on their ‘Metaverse presence’ right now. Nike, Hyundai, Warner Bros., Disney, Gucci, Coca-Cola, Louis Vitton, Balenciaga, and Burger King are a few of the brands present in this new virtual reality in some way, shape, or form.

How does the Metaverse affect the global economy?

Therefore, not only are these traditionally huge industries establishing their names in a whole new world, but they’re also transitioning to new business models and extending their previous digital business with their customers and potential new public.

Gartner’s prediction of a quarter of the internet users being present, daily, on the Metaverse solidifies this space as a fertile ground to plant new seeds in many aspects. Social activities, entertainment, education, shopping, and, yes, work are all included in this daily access, which represents a ‘second life’ to many of these users.

Is there a future for the Metaverse?

The democratization of the Metaverse is one of its advantages. Since no one owns the entire digital environment by themselves, anyone can create and thrive in this online world. Even the economy is based on digital currencies and the so-called non-fungible tokens, the NFTs — which was one the most searched terms on Google in 2021.

However, the multiplicity of Metaverses is something anyone, companies or single investors, should pay attention to before starting to create their space there. Whilst there are many options to choose where to ‘plant their seed’.

Can I join the Metaverse?

Whoever decides to go forward with their plans will have to consider that the whole thing is just starting and the Metaverse itself is still fragmented — and it’s too early to know which one could be the best choice in the long run. The decision requires a lot of studying, testing, and adjusting to get off on the right foot and establish a solid base in this new enterprise.

The time to start is right now. Gartner’s research also shows that only 30% of the current organizations will have their services and products ready and available to the Metaverse public by 2026. So, if you want your business to blossom in this environment, prepare yourself and be ready to go.