Published Paper Details:

The longevity and success of the Metaverse as a socio-technical medium are critically dependent on sustained user engagement, referred to as continuance intention. This paper employs a systematic literature synthesis to model the antecedents of continuance intention, focusing specifically on non-technological factors: Trust and Privacy Protection. Empirical research confirms that for experienced users, continuance intention is positively affected by perceived usefulness, enjoyment, innovativeness, and crucially, trust and satisfaction. This aligns with consumer data prioritizing data/privacy protection (77%), ease of use (75%), and affordability. We identify a fundamental governance deficit, noting that current architectural models lack dedicated layers for enforcing accountability and interoperability. Furthermore, the emerging neurosociological paradigm, which uses implicit neural data (interbrain synchrony) to dynamically adjust virtual environments, introduces acute ethical risks to cognitive liberty, demanding specialized regulatory protection. This research validates a framework wherein sustained adoption is contingent upon the mandatory integration of explicit socio-regulatory mechanisms--such as unified digital identity systems and Neurorights legislation --into the core architecture, transforming external policy into internal system design to build user confidence and govern the future of immersive interaction.