Despite the potential benefits of knowledge sharing in these communities, the process of knowledge sharing is complex and unique within the metaverse. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the knowledge sharing dynamics in virtual communities within the metaverse domain is crucial. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the knowledge sharing landscape in metaverse virtual communities and outlines a roadmap for more efficient knowledge sharing and innovation in these communities. Based on a review of relevant practices and previous research, a knowledge sharing model is formulated to account for the unique impact of the metaverse on these communities. The process of knowledge sharing involves gathering community knowledge, internalizing situational knowledge, and sharing it through broadcasting and diffusion. The chapter offers valuable insights for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers in the field of virtual communities and knowledge sharing and provides a foundation for future research in this area.
TopIntroduction
The metaverse, with its seamless integration of various technologies such as virtual reality, artificial intelligence, big data, 5G networks, and blockchain, has sparked a new era of imagination and innovation in the future of human society. As virtual communities continue to emerge and grow within this environment, it becomes increasingly important to study and understand the dynamics of knowledge sharing that occur within these communities (Hassani, Huang, & MacFeely, 2022; Huynh-The et al., 2023). Knowledge sharing, as a fundamental aspect of human communication and collaboration, plays a crucial role in the development and growth of virtual communities (Bolger, 2021; Buhalis, O’Connor, & Leung, 2023; Cappannari & Vitillo, 2022). By exploring and understanding the behavior and patterns of knowledge sharing in virtual communities within the metaverse, it becomes possible to identify opportunities for enhancing the efficiency and creativity of these communities. Moreover, with the increasing dependence on virtual communities in various aspects of our lives, it is vital to understand the potential implications and challenges of knowledge sharing within these communities, so that appropriate measures can be taken to mitigate risks and promote positive outcomes. The study of knowledge sharing in virtual communities within the metaverse is therefore a critical aspect of shaping the future of human society in this digital age (Dahan et al., 2022; Dwivedi et al., 2022; Hariharan, Risling, Felic, & Ostertag, 2023).
The purpose of this chapter is to delve into the topic of knowledge sharing in virtual communities within the metaverse and to provide a comprehensive understanding of the behavior and patterns that exist in these communities. This chapter aims to be a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and practitioners who are interested in exploring and advancing the field of knowledge sharing in virtual communities. The chapter is designed to provide an in-depth examination of the current state of knowledge sharing in virtual communities within the metaverse, including a review of previous research and a thorough analysis of the potential changes in knowledge sharing patterns under the impact of the metaverse.
The main objective of this chapter is to provide a comprehensive roadmap for enhancing knowledge sharing and fostering innovation in virtual communities within the metaverse. To achieve this, the chapter will propose a future-oriented model of knowledge sharing in virtual communities that incorporates the unique characteristics of metaverse environments and existing knowledge sharing patterns in virtual communities. The study draws upon various sources of information and relevant data, including previous research studies, practical examples of virtual communities such as VRChat, Roblox, and Second Life, and the latest developments in technology. The proposed model will serve as a guide for practitioners and researchers in the field to enhance knowledge sharing and innovation in virtual communities, and to promote the development of these communities within the metaverse.
This chapter aims to contribute to the advancement of the field of knowledge sharing in virtual communities by providing valuable insights and references for further research and practical applications. The findings of this research will have the potential to shape the future of virtual communities and drive the development of virtual community forms, thus improving the efficiency and creativity of knowledge sharing in virtual communities. The comprehensive understanding of knowledge sharing behavior and patterns in virtual communities within the metaverse, as well as the roadmap for more efficient knowledge sharing and innovation, will have far-reaching implications for the future of human society in this digital age.