Life in a Box

In October 2021, Facebook creator Mark Zuckerberg announced the name change of Facebook and the creation of Meta and the Metaverse, an extension of the social media organization into the virtual reality space online. Prior to the introduction of Meta, Zuckerberg staked a claim in VR gaming with the Oculus VR headset and gaming system perfectly paired with the Metaverse. Since its name and platform change, many have questioned if this new virtual world could be a potential detriment to people, namely children.

Researchers partnering with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC News) conducted research recently and were disturbed to uncover how easy it was for children to gain access to adult spaces in the virtual world. Child advocates are concerned because the researcher used to investigate the Metaverse was able to create a fake profile without authenticating her true identity, including age. It is worth mentioning that there were several places for users, both adolescents, and adults, to freely visit through the app ranging from regular restaurants to strip clubs. In one particular space, kids could get naked and experience "virtual erotic role-play."

Although the app used to access a virtual adult space was not created by Facebook, it is supported by the technology and platform the company created; users who have avatars in the Facebook Metaverse can exclusively access the app through the Oculus headset and technology.

Since the inception of gaming, there have always been games that mimicked life. Games like Grand Theft Auto and Call of Duty have been cited by organizations suggesting that each simulation desensitizes a child who may not be mentally equipped to understand the difference between gaming and reality. The scary truth is that many are concerned that some experiences through gaming and virtual simulation will arouse the curiosity to do so in real life, thus putting some in harm's way.

Facebook has been criticized in the past for its unethical practices when it comes to political messaging and lack of safeguards in protecting children from predators. A Senate subcommittee recently introduced a new Bill to hold social media entities more accountable for protecting kids. The Kids Online Safety Act was created to help mitigate the risk of certain harms, including suicide, eating disorders, and substance abuse. I believe it could be the start of a more comprehensive ethical framework for online information and engagement.

All things considered - do not wait for government officials to create laws to regulate what happens in the virtual world. Monitor what your kids have access to; make it the norm to have conversations about what happens in real and virtual life, so they are prepared to make good decisions when it comes to access and exposure.