Information about the metaverse: an approach in the main spanish generalist newspapers
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Abstract
Introduction: This study analyzes media coverage of the metaverse in the Spanish press, highlighting how information surrounding the term is treated. Objective: To analyze the media coverage of the metaverse between 2021 and 2024 and determine its predominant themes, its media construction, and the frequency of publication. Methodology: A content analysis was applied to 220 news items from El País, El Mundo, and ABC between October 2021 and October 2024. The articles were selected based on the criterion that they contained the word “metaverse” in the title or subtitle and were coded using an ad hoc category system. Results: The results show a high level of publication during the first year, which declines gradually in the second and third years. Economic, technological, and sociocultural approaches predominate in the news. Discussion: The media focused their reporting on technological and business issues, presenting an optimistic, market-oriented perspective, with less coverage of ethical and artistic issues. Conclusions: Media coverage of the metaverse is expected to be extensive initially, but will subsequently become fragmented, focusing on economic, technological, and commercial approaches that promote an optimistic and market-centric view, addressing its ethical, educational, regulatory, and risk dimensions to a lesser extent.
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Universidad Internacional de La Rioja
Grant numbers AccessVerse- PP-2024-11
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