EU Touts Health Benefits For Children In The Metaverse Despite Risks
The European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS) has published a letter discussing the potential benefits and challenges for children in the metaverse. The metaverse can enhance creativity, motivation, and healing from diseases, while providing cultural and social experiences. However, the EU must address issues such as protecting children from adverse mental and physical outcomes, security, and privacy concerns.
Virtual world technologies can diagnose and treat mental and physical health disorders, promote physical health, prepare children for psychological difficulties, and aid in physical rehabilitation.
However, concerns include potential negative effects on children’s mental and physical well-being, such as social and real-world isolation, harassment, inappropriate communication, nausea, anxiety, and fear.
Legislative challenges include determining the appropriate age for children to operate in the metaverse, which is currently left to private-sector manufacturers. The state of the metaverse in the EU is currently in flux, with regulators exploring future strategies while relying on the private sector to self-regulate based on existing laws and internal company guidelines.
(With inputs from Shikha Singh)
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