Özet:

The concept of the Metaverse, which combines many technological components such as virtual, augmented and mixed reality, is synonymous with the virtual world. It creates an artificial virtual community where users’ avatars interact with other avatars in a three-dimensional way, socially, politically and economically. These virtual artificial communities formed in the Metaverse will access news stories with immersive experiences in journalism, as in many fields. This study aims to reveal how Metaverse platforms and blockchain technologies will affect the future of the journalism industry and journalistic practices soon. Data were collected between 1 February 2023 and 1 July 2023 using a semi-structured questionnaire in face-to-face interviews with 20 participants. The participants in the study include academics in the field of communication science, journalists, editors, reporters, technology columnists and Metaverse platform founders. Throughout the work, these data have been examined by means of qualitative data analysis. As a result of the study, the study’s findings include participants’ perceptions and concerns about the current state and future of the Metaverse concept, the impact of blockchain and Metaverse on the future of journalism and journalistic practices, the benefits and risks Metaverse platforms offer journalists, and fake news and disinformation on Metaverse platforms.