Should Children Be Allowed to Chat and Call in VR? Examining the Potential Risks

Meta’s recent announcement that 10-12 year olds will soon be able to engage in chats and calls in VR has sparked concerns about the potential risks involved in allowing young children to access such technology. While Meta emphasizes the importance of parental supervision and age-appropriate social experiences, the reality is that social media interactions, even in their current form, have been linked to harmful impacts on the mental health and development of young users.

Evidence of Harmful Impacts on Young Audiences

Numerous studies have shown that social media usage can have detrimental effects on youngsters, leading to negative outcomes such as increased rates of depression, anxiety, and cyberbullying. The exposure risks associated with social media have become so significant that some states have started implementing stricter age limits and regulatory measures to protect young users from potential harm.

Virtual reality presents a whole new set of challenges when it comes to safeguarding the well-being of young users. VR is a highly immersive and engaging digital experience, which can further exacerbate the negative impacts of social media on mental health and development. With concerns already raised about issues such as sexual harassment and virtual assault in VR environments, allowing children under 13 to access social VR elements seems like a risky move.

While Meta has implemented parental oversight and age verification processes for its VR platform, it is crucial that we take a step back and evaluate the potential risks and consequences of allowing young children to engage in chats and calls in VR. The lessons learned from the negative impacts of social media on young audiences should serve as a warning sign for the potential dangers of expanding VR experiences to children under 13.

The decision to lower the age limits for children to access social VR elements raises significant concerns about the well-being and safety of young users. While Meta may have its own strategic reasons for targeting a younger audience, the potential risks and consequences of allowing children to engage in VR chats and calls cannot be ignored. As more evidence emerges about the harmful impacts of digital technologies on mental health and development, it becomes increasingly important for regulators and policymakers to take action to protect vulnerable populations from potential harm.