Beyond the hype: longitudinal trends in virtual reality perceptions beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.

Introduction: The metaverse is shaped significantly by spatial computing technologies, such as virtual reality (VR). However, the promise of a VR-facilitated metaverse remains unfulfilled, and public perceptions of these technologies are fluid. Therefore, this study investigates perceptions and intentions to use VR over three years, both during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Method: We conducted three waves of cross-sectional surveys from 2020 to 2022 (N = 928), via Amazon Mechanical Turk.

Analysis: Data were analysed using OLS regression and mediation-moderation analysis using Hayes' PROCESS Model 85.

Results: Respondents' perceptions of VR as both easy to use and useful predict their intentions to use the technology, with usefulness being the stronger predictor. When examining changes over time, in 2021, VR ownership was not a predictor of perceived usefulness, and it was associated with a decrease in intentions to use VR, potentially reflecting the dynamics of the hype cycle. The direct and indirect effects of COVID-19 on VR acceptance persisted throughout all three years of the study but appear to be diminishing with time.

Conclusion: This study contributes to the theoretical and practical discourse on the metaverse's development, advocating for a nuanced understanding of VR's role as a critical component of this digital frontier.