Kids Taking Over the Metaverse: A Shift Worth Watching
Let’s start with something that makes me chuckle….adults complaining about kids taking over apps like Meta Horizon Worlds. Isn’t it ironic? For years, we’ve been invading their spaces like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok. All platforms originally buzzing with youthful creativity, only to be overrun by adults with business pitches, ads, and networking opportunities. Now, kids are flipping the script, claiming their ground in the metaverse, and some of us don’t know what to make of it. Some are not happy at all. But let’s pause for a moment. What does it really mean for the next generation to be stepping boldly into this new digital frontier? And what opportunities might this present?
A Middle School Takeover: A Surprising % Own a VR Headset!
Recently, I had the privilege of speaking to around 240 middle school students in Lakeland, Florida, as part of the Great American Teach-In. These were game development students from grades 6 through 8, and I shared about how extended reality (XR) technologies are transforming the way we work, play, and connect.
Each class I asked how many of them owned a VR headset. Nearly every hand shot up! 98 to 99% of those kids had a VR headset. Most of them owned an Oculus 2 or 3. Just think about that for a second….🤔 This tech is becoming a regular part of their lives, and it’s just the beginning.
Kids in the Woods: The New Frontier
What opportunities and challenges do these new technologies present for our younger generations? To explore this further, let’s draw from an article by Wired and an interesting analogy shared by Tanner Higgin. Higgin compared today’s kids using VR to how we used to play in the woods in generations past. Do you remember playing in the woods as a kid? I do. Playing in the woods was all about freedom, exploration, and endless imagination.
Could VR become today’s version of “the woods” — a digital space where kids can create, explore, and push the limits of their imagination? I think so, but just like the woods had its thorny bushes, hidden ditches, and the occasional snake (yikes!), VR has risks too.
Risks in the Digital Woods
- Too Immersive: Virtual reality is meant to be engaging, but sometimes it can feel too real. Kids might have a hard time separating the virtual world from reality.
- Mental Health Effects: Spending too much time in virtual spaces might lead to feeling isolated, detached, or even anxious about coming back to the real world.
- Identity Confusion: In the metaverse, kids can create avatars and personas that are different from who they are in real life. It could lead to confusion about their identity or unhealthy comparisons to others.
- Online Safety: Just like any other digital space, the metaverse can also pose risks for online safety. Kids might encounter cyberbullying, inappropriate content, or predators in virtual worlds. It’s important for parents to educate themselves and their children about what the metaverse is, talk about what’s appropriate or not, and set boundaries.
Opportunities in the Metaverse
While the risks are enough to keep some people away, the metaverse isn’t going away any time soon and there are plenty of good things happening there, too.
- Creativity and Collaboration: VR gives kids tools to unleash their creativity. Apps like Meta’s Horizon Worlds and Roblox are all about teamwork and building communities.
- Skill Development: Creating and exploring virtual worlds helps kids pick up important skills like coding, problem-solving, and teamwork.
- Connection: VR lets kids connect with friends from all over the world, breaking down distance and opening up new perspectives.
- Inclusivity: Virtual spaces are more accessible and inclusive than physical ones. This allows kids with different abilities to participate.
What Does This Mean for Us as Adults?
Instead of stressing about kids “taking over” the metaverse, maybe it’s our chance to step up. Kids are naturally drawn to these spaces, but they need guidance. As adults, we have a real opportunity here, not to take it back, but to help them navigate it in a smart and safe way.
Here are a few questions to consider:
- What experiences in the metaverse could positively shape their values, creativity, or sense of community? How do we support these types of experiences?
- How can we help kids find a healthy balance between immersive experiences and real-world connections?
- How can our approach encourage children to explore their God-given creativity and talents?
- In what ways could we unintentionally contribute to negative behaviors, like isolation, comparison, or addiction in these spaces?
- What partnerships or resources can we tap into to ensure the metaverse is a positive, spiritually enriching space for children?
- What legacy do we want to leave for children who grow up in this new digital frontier?
- How can we ensure we are listening to children’s voices and needs in these virtual spaces?
- What can kids teach us about approaching technology with curiosity, wonder, and imagination?
Final Thoughts: Beyond the Pixels
Whether you think of VR as a digital playground or the new frontier–it’s continuing to evolve. What if we saw VR not just as another app or game, but as a way to inspire the next generation–to dream bigger, create in meaningful ways, and connect more deeply?
The metaverse is growing, especially with younger audiences. We have a chance to shape it with creativity, purpose, and wisdom. Let’s lean into it and not miss this opportunity.
🤖 This article is grounded in our own experiences, reflections, and insights. AI tools were used to assist with the writing and publishing process, enabling us to share valuable content with you more quickly.
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