How is Metaverse going to affect the Kids future?

The metaverse, a combination of spatial computing and the Internet, aims to create 3D virtual worlds and incorporate several key emerging technologies such as the blockchain, cryptocurrencies, AI, cloud and edge computing, among many others. Today, every new age of digitization comes with privacy challenges. We already have privacy concerns when we browse the web. The technology that is already tracking our behaviour online will also exist in the metaverse, and the tracking is likely to become even more invasive and intense.

The Metaverse could possibly replace in-person physical interaction to an extent: During the pandemic, many users turned to the Metaverse for social activities and gatherings, even conducting entire weddings inside the platform. In the future, it could become as important as social media is to our lives today.

Global populations have wondered whether artificial intelligence (AI) will take over human operations, automation will replace all jobs, and remote work will destroy physical offices for good. Now, with companies like Decentraland, The Sandbox, and others in development promising real and inhabitable metaverse platforms, what does this mean for the future of real-world connections? Internet users worldwide already spend enormous amounts of time online and devote significant efforts to boosting their online presence for both social and professional purposes. Once the Metaverse transforms the internet into a three-dimensional virtual space, could it do away with the need for a physical world altogether?

The tech companies who have invested huge amounts for developing the technology and platform into Metaverse say, For kids, this means endless opportunities for socializing, learning new skills and exploring their interests. Minecraft, for example, is already being used in learning environments to expose children to different cultures through the Metaverse.

With this, Kids can truly benefit from the Metaverse, whether they are playing online games with friends or taking virtual classes through educational platforms. However, there are also some potential downsides to this new technology such as cyberbullying and exposure to inappropriate content.

Ultimately, it will be up to parents and educators to help kids navigate the Metaverse in a safe and productive way. However, there are claims that the Image result for Metaverse is a destruction for the kids' life. Going from a Metaverse built around a real-time experience and then going back into reality where things tend to manifest slower will be a bit of a shock to the system. So much so that it could lead to people disconnecting from their real life in favour of the world they've created in the Metaverse.

The Metaverse also poses some potential risks for children such as cyberbullying and a lack of privacy. Cyberbullying is a serious concern, as kids can be targeted and harassed by anonymous users. In addition, there is also the risk of children being exposed to inappropriate content, such as violence, sexual content and hate speech. Moreover, some experts are also concerned that the Metaverse can be addictive for kids. Given its highly immersive and engaging nature, it could be difficult for kids to manage their time and limit their use of the Metaverse.

Dr. Deepak Kumar Sahu, President & CEO, VARINDIA