Metaverse is a virtual world where users can engage in various activities, and its market is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years (Hwang, 2021). Generation Z, also known as digital natives, are heavily involved in social media and often share selfies, making them more sensitive to body image concerns (Ameen, 2022). In the metaverse, users can create customized avatars, allowing them to experience an ideal body image. This study applies the “extraordinary self” theory to avatar creation, a concept that explains how people create an ideal, fantastic, or transcendent self by consuming experiences that set them apart from their mundane real self (Procter, 2021). Based on the theory, this study examines how dissatisfaction with body image of Generation Z can lead to the creation of avatars that manifest an ideal body image, which in turn, can influence self-congruence with the avatar and self-esteem in the metaverse. This study also looks into the possible effects of enhanced self-esteem on user’s intention to purchase virtual products and their loyalty to a specific metaverse platform. Therefore, the following hypotheses are developed.

Additive manufacturing technology is recognized as an optimal technology for mass-customized distributed production because it can yield products with high design freedom by applying an automated production system. However, the introduction of novel technologies to the additive manufacturing industry is generally delayed, and technology uncertainty has been pointed out as one of the main causes. This paper presents the results of the research and analysis of current standardization trends that are related to additive manufacturing by examining the hierarchical structure of the quality system along with the various industry and evaluation standards. Consequently, it was confirmed that the currently unfolding standardization does not sufficiently reflect the characteristics of additive manufacturing technology, and rather can become a barrier to entry for market participants or an element that suppresses the lateral shearing ability of additive manufacturing technology.

Metal additive manufacturing (AM) technologies are classified into two groups according to the consolidation mechanisms and densification degrees of the as-built parts. Densified parts are obtained via a single-step process such as powder bed fusion, directed energy deposition, and sheet lamination AM technologies. Conversely, green bodies are consolidated with the aid of binder phases in multi-step processes such as binder jetting and material extrusion AM. Green-body part shapes are sustained by binder phases, which are removed for the debinding process. Chemical and/or thermal debinding processes are usually devised to enhance debinding kinetics. The pathways to final densification of the green parts are sintering and/or molten metal infiltration. With respect to innovation types, the multistep metal AM process allows conventional powder metallurgy manufacturing to be innovated continuously. Eliminating cost/time-consuming molds, enlarged 3D design freedom, and wide material selectivity create opportunities for the industrial adoption of multi-step AM technologies. In addition, knowledge of powders and powder metallurgy fuel advances of multi-step AM technologies. In the present study, multi-step AM technologies are briefly introduced from the viewpoint of the entire manufacturing lifecycle.

The transition from “More-of-Less” markets (economies of scale) to “Less-of-More” markets (economies of scope) is supported by advances of disruptive manufacturing and reconfigurable-supply-chain management technologies. With the prevalence of cyber-physical manufacturing systems, additive manufacturing technology is of great impact on industry, the economy, and society. Traditionally, backbone structures are built via bottom-up manufacturing with either pre-fabricated building blocks such as bricks or with layer-by-layer concrete casting such as climbing form-work casting. In both cases, the design selection is limited by form-work design and cost. Accordingly, the tool-less building of architecture with high design freedom is attractive. In the present study, we review the technological trends of additive manufacturing for construction-scale additive manufacturing in particular. The rapid tooling of patterns or molds and rapid manufacturing of construction parts or whole structures is extensively explored through uncertainties from technology. The future regulation still has drawbacks in the adoption of additive manufacturing in construction industries.