What the numbers say: According to a survey conducted by Morning Consult in the U.S., 36% of online adults expressed interest in using the metaverse, with 12% being very interested. Gender differences were observed, with 7% of women very interested and 50% having no interest, while 18% of men were very interested and slightly over a third showed no interest.
Relevance: According to a McKinsey study, there is a noticeable gender gap in the metaverse, mirroring the disparities seen in Fortune 500 companies and start-ups. While women actively engage in the protometaverse and lead metaverse initiatives, they still represent a minority in the metaverse economy. In organizations shaping metaverse standards, 90% of leadership roles are held by men.
Who should care: The metaverse has the potential to revolutionize the global economy and promote equitable opportunities. Addressing the gender gap in leadership roles during this formative stage is paramount. To achieve this, industry stakeholders must actively involve diverse voices and promote diverse leadership within the companies and coalitions shaping the metaverse.