Meta’s decision to allow 10-12 year olds to engage in chats and calls in VR is definitely a controversial one. While the company claims that these social experiences will be managed by parents and that parental approval will be required for each contact, the risks associated with social media interaction for young audiences cannot be ignored. It raises concerns about the potential harmful impacts on the development and mental health of these children, especially considering the existing evidence regarding social media usage.
Recent legislative efforts, such as the “Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation (SAFE) for Kids” act signed by New York Governor Kathy Hochul, highlight the growing recognition of the negative effects of social media on young users. These measures aim to protect children from addictive algorithms and regulate their access to social media platforms. Similar laws proposed in Florida and Maryland underscore the need for stricter age limits and parental consent for young users in the digital sphere.
The immersive nature of VR experiences poses an even greater risk to young users compared to traditional social media platforms. With concerns around social media impacts on mental health and well-being, it is not unreasonable to assume that VR social interactions could exacerbate these issues. Meta’s implementation of parental oversight may not be enough to mitigate the potential dangers associated with exposing children to VR environments at such a young age.
Despite the well-documented risks and challenges posed by social media, Meta’s decision to lower the age limits for entry into the metaverse shows a lack of consideration for the lessons learned from past experiences. The company’s eagerness to onboard young users into its VR environment to drive its metaverse vision forward raises questions about the prioritization of profits over the well-being of children. It seems that history is repeating itself, with insufficient alarm bells being raised about the implications of allowing young children in the metaverse.
The decision to allow 10-12 year olds to engage in VR chats and calls raises significant concerns about the potential risks and impacts on young users. With growing evidence of the harmful effects of social media on children, it is crucial to approach the integration of young users into VR environments with caution and consideration for their well-being. Stricter age limits, parental supervision, and regulatory oversight are essential to protect children from the potential dangers of immersive digital experiences. It is imperative for companies like Meta to prioritize the safety and welfare of young users in the development and implementation of new technologies.
Leave a Reply