Abstract
The metaverse offers a space where individuals can experience their daily lives and social activities in a virtual environment and is seen as the next phase of internet technologies. The aim of this study is to evaluate the level of knowledge PhD students have regarding the metaverse. Additionally, the study seeks to examine the perceptions of PhD students concerning the current state and future of the metaverse, in order to understand how they perceive its potential impacts on individuals and society. The research aims to explore in detail the thoughts of PhD students on the current status and effects of the metaverse. This research was conducted using a phenomenological (phenomenology) design, which is one of the qualitative research methods. It was conducted with 22 PhD students. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview form developed by the researchers and revised based on expert opinions. The data were analyzed using content analysis. According to the analysis results, the majority of PhD students define the metaverse as a “virtual world/universe”. Furthermore, most view the current state of the metaverse as being in a “developmental phase”. They express the future potential of the metaverse as the “transformation of virtual platforms”. Majority of PhD students believe that the metaverse will impact individuals “socially” and will affect society in terms of “communication patterns, family relationships, and levels of socialization”. This research, through the insights it offers about the current state and future of the metaverse, can serve as a guide for understanding its potential impacts on individuals and society.