This week Wunderman Thompson Intelligence published New Realities: Into the Metaverse and Beyond, an analysis and roadmap for adland which expands upon the groundbreaking Into the Metaverse study. While the stats and survey have been invaluable, this new paper shows brands and agencies clear directions in a tech field where 74% of people feel it will be the future. 

Its 2022 metaverse survey New Realities: Into the Metaverse and Beyond for which research was fielded in March – from over 3,000 people aged 16-65 in the United States, United Kingdom and China – shows that awareness of the metaverse has more than doubled in less than a year. While less than a third (32%) had heard of the term in July 2021, by March 2022 almost three quarters (74%) had heard of the term. 

READ: NFT Art: What Is It And Why Should South African Artists And Collectors Get Invested ?

In summary at first glance the report projects 76% percent of people feel the metaverse will allow for authentic self expression, 90% think it will have an impact on sport and entertainment and 74% feel it is the future. Revealing that awareness of the metaverse has more than doubled in less than a year. 

Despite being unable to explain the metaverse, consumers believe that it promises to impact our lives significantly and among those who know what the metaverse is, two thirds believe it will be life-changing, with 74% stating that it is the future.

ALSO ON SA CREATIVES: SA Film Two Hues Becomes Africa’s First NFT Funded Feature Film

Emma Chiu, Wunderman Thompson Intelligence global director and author of the reports, says: “As ever-greater portions of our lives move into the virtual realm, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the metaverse will be instrumental in our collective future, with our follow-up survey uncovering widespread expectation that the metaverse heralds enormous changes to almost all industries.”

Areas in which consumers are expecting to see innovation include entertainment where 90% of respondents held this belief, followed by advertising and retail. Meanwhile, 85% believe the metaverse will impact the fashion industry and also the world of work. 

SEE: NFT Of Nelson Mandela Arrest Warrant Sells for Over R1.9 Million

Naomi Troni, global chief marketing and growth officer, Wunderman Thompson adds: “It’s critical that brands establish a roadmap for entry into the metaverse. However, there are concerns too around privacy, security, and safety. So while our latest findings indicate almost limitless opportunities for brands – enabling them to reimagine what their products, services and consumer engagement could and should look like – we must also enter this new world with care.”

To view the full report visit wundermanandthompson.com