If we think of the Metaverse as the next paradigm shift for experience on the internet. From a social standpoint, the metaverse has the potential to offer more access and inclusivity across many boundaries. Still, it’s important to be mindful of the equally important possibility of exacerbating the digital divide, given the hardware and connectivity required to participate viably in the Metaverse.
Session Video
The keynote speaker of the session titled "Accessibility & Inclusion: Is the Metaverse going to increase the digital divide?" was Sam Ng, an experienced tech entrepreneur. The main objective of the keynote was to discuss the potential of the Metaverse to offer more access and inclusivity, while being mindful of the possibility of exacerbating the digital divide.
Sam Ng highlighted the fact that the Metaverse requires specific hardware and connectivity, and if these requirements are not met, it can increase the digital divide. He also talked about the need to consider accessibility and inclusivity while developing the Metaverse, so that it benefits everyone, including people with disabilities and those from underrepresented communities.
The findings of the keynote emphasized the need to address the digital divide and ensure that the Metaverse is accessible to everyone. Sam Ng suggested that one way to do this is to develop policies and regulations that promote inclusivity, and to work with underrepresented communities to understand their needs and concerns.
The recommendations of the keynote included the need for collaboration among stakeholders, including technology companies, policymakers, and communities, to develop an inclusive Metaverse. Sam Ng also recommended that technology companies prioritize accessibility and inclusivity in their design and development processes, and that policymakers focus on creating a regulatory framework that promotes equity and access for all.
Main ideas and insights discussed during the Keynote:
The Metaverse has the potential to offer more access and inclusivity, but it’s important to be mindful of the equally important possibility of exacerbating the digital divide.
Inclusion in the Metaverse is essential for ensuring that the benefits of the Metaverse are available to all.
The current state of inclusion in the Metaverse needs improvement, and there are significant accessibility challenges that need to be addressed.
The principles of inclusive design need to be applied to the Metaverse to ensure that it is usable by all people, regardless of their abilities.
Policy and regulation play an important role in ensuring that the Metaverse is accessible and inclusive for all, and there is a need for global standards and regulations.
Collaboration between different stakeholders is crucial for developing these standards and regulations and ensuring that the Metaverse is a more inclusive and equitable place for all.
We are entering a post-reality era with a diminishing sense of safety, privacy, and trust. We need to come together to address these risks proactively and reduce harm to humans and societies. XR Safety Initiative (XRSI) believes that the first step to this is creating awareness and safeguards.
Metaverse Safety Week 2022 is a week-long safety campaign, and we need your generous support in making it a Free-for-All, Accessible & Inclusive for everyone.
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