Experiential and Financial Factors Associated with Metaverse Readiness: Evidence from Lebanon

This study examines experiential and financial factors associated with Metaverse readiness in Lebanon. Drawing on a socio-technical readiness perspective informed by selected concepts from technology adoption literature, the study explores how interest in immersive technologies, remote work experience, and perceived financial security in decentralized digital assets relate to individual readiness and perceived organizational expectations. Using an exploratory cross-sectional survey of 231 respondents, multiple regression analyses were conducted to examine these associations. The findings indicate that interest in VR/AR technologies and positive remote work experience are positively associated with individual willingness to use the Metaverse for work, education, or professional activities. Perceived financial security in decentralized digital assets is also positively associated with perceived organizational benefit expectations. The results suggest that Metaverse readiness is linked not only to technological interest but also to prior digital collaboration experience and financial trust. By focusing on Lebanon as a developing and crisis-affected economy, the study contributes a context-sensitive and perception-based understanding of readiness for immersive digital ecosystems. Practical implications are discussed for organizations and policymakers seeking to support responsible digital transformation.