Negotiating equitable metaleisure participation: developing a theoretical framework for Gen Z's constraint navigation in the metaverse
Katrina Black Reed, Kimberley Hemmings-Jarrett, Sahana Elangovan · World Leisure Journal · 2025
This study explored the concept of “Metaleisure” – metaverse – and how Generation Z students negotiate constraints to equitably participate in these immersive digital activities. The researchers evaluated the “Metaprivilege” construct, which assesses an individual's access to and comfort with virtual reality (VR) devices. They conducted an experiment with 108 university students, having them use different VR headsets and recording their experiences through surveys. The findings reveal several factors influencing equitable Metaleisure participation. Having prior experience with VR devices is a key driver of choosing leisure activities like gaming over non-leisure uses. Interpersonal constraints from one's sharing networks that provide initial exposure are also crucial. Gender, socioeconomic status, and academic major impact the degree of Metaprivilege. The researchers proposed a “Metaleisure model” integrating the leisure constraints framework to understand barriers to participation. Recommendations include universities providing communal VR spaces for training, leisure professionals offering community device-sharing programs, and technology companies developing more affordable, accessible metaverse products. Overall, this study provides a novel framework for assessing digital equitability and facilitating inclusive Metaleisure engagement as immersive technologies become increasingly embedded in leisure experiences.