Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has announced a
controversial decision to lower the age limits for its virtual reality (VR)
social experiences. The company stated that preteens aged 10-12 will soon be
able to engage in chats and calls in VR, with the aim of providing another way
for youngsters to connect. This move comes as part of Meta's push to expand its
metaverse plan, despite concerns raised by experts about the potential risks
associated with exposing children to immersive digital environments.
According to Meta, connecting with friends is a key aspect
of what makes VR and mixed reality (MR) experiences compelling. The company
believes that giving preteens the option to enjoy age-appropriate social
experiences, managed by their parents, will enhance their overall VR
experience.
Preteens will be able to chat and call directly with
parent-approved contacts, as well as seamlessly move between select multiplayer
spaces and share experiences with their friends and family. These experiences
could include participating in Apollo space missions, exploring Mt. Cook in New
Zealand, creating their own singing club, or simply playing their favorite
games.
However, the decision to lower the age limits for VR social
experiences has drawn criticism from health professionals and experts in child
development. Many argue that social media usage can already have harmful
impacts on youngsters, and that VR experiences could further heighten these
risks.
Studies have shown that social media can negatively affect
mental health, self-esteem, and overall development in children and teenagers.
In light of these findings, some health professionals believe that stricter age
limits should be implemented for social media apps, rather than lowering them.
VR experiences are far more immersive and consuming than
traditional social media platforms, which has led to concerns that the
potential dangers could be even greater. Meta itself has had to add personal
boundaries for VR avatars after reports of sexual harassment and even
"virtual rape" in its VR environment. These incidents highlight the
need for robust safeguards and age-appropriate content moderation in virtual
spaces.
While Meta has implemented parental supervision tools for
teens aged 13-17 and plans to extend these measures to younger users, critics
argue that this may not be enough to mitigate the risks. Some suggest that
users under 13 should not be allowed to access social VR elements until there
is a wider understanding of the potential dangers based on expanded use.
Several states, including New York, Florida, and Maryland,
have already taken steps to regulate social media usage among minors. These
efforts include prohibiting addictive algorithmic feeds for children younger
than 18, requiring parental consent for 14 and 15-year-olds to create or
maintain social media accounts, and proposing expanded protections for young
users. As VR experiences become more prevalent, it is likely that similar
regulations will be considered for immersive digital environments.
As the debate surrounding the appropriate age limits for VR
social experiences continues, it is essential for companies like Meta to
prioritize the safety and well-being of their youngest users. While the
metaverse may offer exciting opportunities for connection and exploration, it
is crucial to ensure that these experiences are designed with the unique
developmental needs and vulnerabilities of children in mind.
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