Metaverse technologies are rapidly growing in the consumer market, expanding audience demographics and including young people. What are the benefits for the new generations, and what are the possible risks?
Session Video
The opening keynote was delivered by Lori Trahan, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. Trahan discussed the impact of the Metaverse on young people and the importance of ensuring their safety in this rapidly developing technology landscape.
She emphasized the need for collaboration between technology companies, policymakers, and child safety advocates to establish guidelines and standards for the development of the Metaverse that prioritize child safety and privacy. Trahan also highlighted the potential benefits of the Metaverse for young people, such as innovative education, therapy, and play.
Overall, Trahan's keynote set the tone for the rest of the Metaverse Safety Week, calling for a proactive approach to ensure that the Metaverse is a safe and positive space for young people to explore and engage with.
The main ideas discussed in the panel on the impact of the Metaverse on young people:
- Metaverse technologies are rapidly growing and expanding audience demographics, including young people.
- The benefits of the Metaverse for new generations include innovative education, therapy, and play.
- However, the Metaverse also brings new and unforeseen risks and psychological harms, especially for young people.
- To ensure the safety of children in the Metaverse, it is necessary to bring together youth policy advocates, legislators, technology professionals, civic organizations, parents, educators, and guardians to discuss the risks of immersive technologies.
- There is a need for guidelines, standards, and best practices to protect children in the Metaverse.
- The development of the Metaverse should be done in a way that prioritizes child safety and privacy.
- Companies and platforms should take responsibility for creating safe and healthy online environments for young people, including measures to prevent cyberbullying and online harassment.
- Parents and educators should be involved in discussions about the Metaverse and should play an active role in guiding children's use of immersive technologies.
- Finally, Trahan emphasized the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure that the benefits of the Metaverse are realized while minimizing the risks and harms for children.
