A popular topic among companies like Meta and Roblox, the metaverse is a relatively new concept. So, what is it?
Learn what it is, where it is and what parents and carers should look out for as it develops for the future.
The metaverse refers to a new age of the internet often linked to virtual reality (VR) headsets. Yet, users can also access it with augmented reality (AR), and some platforms which are not exclusively AR- or VR-based have said they are a part of the metaverse. So, then, what makes it different from the rest of the internet?
In theory, the metaverse surrounds the idea of creating virtual digital worlds and realities similar to real life. So, users can socialise, sell virtual items, make purchases, learn, work, play games and more just like they can in the real world but in a virtual space. If they access the metaverse with a virtual reality headset, they could do all of these things in the comfort of their own home while still feeling like they are out and about.
The biggest idea, though, is the ability to connect all the different virtual ‘worlds’ together. So, when someone finishes playing Roblox, they can dive into ZEPETO without having to really ‘go’ anywhere else. Users could access it all from the same point across platforms, including video games, social media and more.
The metaverse is still a work-in-progress. It requires a lot of different technologies and cooperation between companies. Where it does exist right now is fairly limited. For example, it exists in games that allow users to create their own worlds or homes. However, companies like Meta are working to develop it to more. Many believe it is the future of the internet.
ZEPETO is a good example of the future of the metaverse. Users can jump from virtual world to virtual world and play games with others. Or they can focus on designing and selling virtual items and more. They have also partnered with big brands or other platforms where the metaverse may go as virtual experiences evolve.
Although there is general agreement for what the metaverse is, some different ideas exist.
Meta says that the metaverse is “about making the time you do spend online more meaningful.” For them, it isn’t just about spending more time online. They say the products making up the metaverse will likely take 10-15 years to fully develop. Further more, they say it’s vital they build these products responsibly with users’ safety in mind.
Samsung describes the metaverse as “a well-established trend of the future.” It sees the metaverse as evolving online communication and creating new values in its users online. Partnering with platforms like Roblox and ZEPETO, it has begun using the metaverse in marketing as well.
Roblox was founded on the idea of the “human co-experience: people doing things together in synchronous 3D spaces.” This closely aligns with the primary ideas of the metaverse. The platform also hosts concerts with artists like Charli XCX and Lizzo in metaverse, which is just one way to use the metaverse idea.
These and many other platforms see the metaverse as the next step in online interaction. Socialising, playing video games and creating virtual homes is just the beginning.
Explore research into the metaverse, including what parents and children know, and what Government and industry should be doing to make sure they don’t get left behind in online safety talks.
SEE KEY FINDINGS
The internet and technology have grown incredibly over the last twenty or so years. With it comes many online safety issues and concerns from parents and educators about how it might impact children. Because the metaverse is still in progress, there are a lot of unknown things still to come.
However, there are always things you can do to help your child keep safety at the front of their mind:
One of the main ideas of the metaverse is connecting everything all together. In theory, that means you could finish a game in Roblox and go onto ZEPETO without the need for changing devices or platforms.
The goal for many is meaningful connections among users within the virtual space. Video gaming, shopping, creating — the metaverse would have it all!
Although the metaverse takes place online, most people working in the metaverse want to make it as realistic as possible. That means using VR (virtual reality) and AR (augmented reality). Those connections would feel more real if the game could immerse the user.
Occulus from Meta is already working hard to create different metaverse interactions that use VR.
Because of the VR setting, the type of socialisation the metaverse offers is a bit different from what most people are familiar with. But something like the metaverse is very helpful for children — especially those with SEND or other vulnerabilities — in improving their social skills. The format could help them feel more comfortable and find others similar to them.
The metaverse is constantly evolving and updating, which means there are going to be teething issues. While there will be plenty of space for users to explore new skills and ways of existing in the online space, there will also be challenges, especially when it comes to online safety.
Though older than the metaverse, the internet itself is still fairly new. As such, there are plenty of online issues we’re still trying to handle and sort out. The metaverse will be no different. As new parts of the metaverse evolve, vigilance from parents and carers about what their child is interacting with is vital.
Virtual and augmented reality used at length may also lead to a rise in physical, cognitive and psychosocial
development, which needs to be closely watched.
Although it’s still very much in the beginning stages, we are starting to see how the metaverse works by looking at the apps and platforms already using similar interactions like Fortnite and Minecraft.
Roblox, for example, allows users to create games and content while interacting with other users. They have hosted virtual concerts for users to attend and actively encourage creativity and collaboration.
Similarly, ZEPETO allows users to create clothing, games and worlds that they can ‘fly’ in between, exploring different landscapes and meeting new people.
It’s going to take a long time to get to the point where many envision the metaverse going, but we can see it starting to form now.
See related advice and practical tips to support children online:
How the Metaverse could impact the lives of kids – CoinTelegraph
