V originále
The metaverse brings unprecedented opportunities to firms and consumers in an immersive world. How it will transform areas such as business, shopping, education, medicine, work, or our lives, in general, is now the subject of scientific debate. User adoption of the metaverse is certainly contingent on many factors, as happens with any new technology. In connection with the metaverse, the question of safety and the risks arising from this new environment are often discussed. It can therefore be assumed that trust will be one of the important factors for consumer adoption of the metaverse. As reference groups are characterised by their ability to influence consumer behaviour, also in the context of perceived trust, it is advisable to start with them when exploring this issue. Therefore, this paper focuses on reference groups as a possible indicator of future metaverse usage. The aim of the paper is to assess the influence of reference groups on the attitude of Czech consumers towards the use of the metaverse.