The use of Facebook and Instagram is in steady decline among younger users, but Meta may not find it easier to build an audience in its new virtual reality gambit. A recent Gen Z research report by Piper Sandler (thank you, Fast Company) said that 50% of teens surveyed are unsure of “the metaverse” or have no interest and do not plan to buy a VR headset.
26% of teens own a VR device, according to the survey, but only 5% use it daily, while 48% of teenage headset owners “rarely” use it. Of the teens who do not own a VR headset, only 9% actively plan to buy one.
However, 68% of the teenagers surveyed identified themselves as gamers. Meta may be based on the belief that players can become metaversers who get enough push to Horizon Worlds, as it launched as a social and gaming VR platform back in December.
The Piper Sandler survey also reveals that 87% of teens have heard of cryptocurrency and 11% say they have participated in a transaction. Over 7,000 teens from 44 states were part of the study group, and the average age was 16.
(If you’re wondering who qualifies as a Gen Z here, it’s anyone born between 1997 and 2012. Millennials were born between 1980 and 1996.)
Another study (which surveyed over 4,000 adults) from Morning Consult shows that about half of Millennials and Gen Z adults say they are either “interested or somewhat interested” in the metaverse, but show slightly less interest in both Horizon Worlds and Horizon Workroom, Meta’s platform for business meetings held in virtual reality.
Both surveyors seem to equate metaverse with VR, though Fornite and Roblox are often considered part of “the metaverse,” and they are not VR games. It’s a foggy expression.
Companies like Sony and Lego have recently invested billions in Epic’s metavers aimed at children. However, it seems that Meta will have to do a better job of attracting young people from the meat room to its virtual.
Bonus facts: The teenagers’ favorite snack was Goldfish crackers, and their favorite clothing brand was Nike. Not relevant, but it’s always good to know what the kids are up to.