April 3, 2024
With rapid technological changes, the allure of virtual realities is growing, and, like other technologies, it has the potential for both great, innovative applications and the seedier side of human interactions. The VR experience offers unprecedented opportunities for schools as well as supportive spaces and communities for many people who find social interaction difficult. It also has a positive impact in areas such as medical training, pain relief, care for the elderly, and sports performance and rehabilitation. Navigating these platforms can also be confusing. Developmentally, many young people find the immersive nature of the VR experience so absorbing that they find it difficult to distinguish fantasy from reality. The next generation will spend approximately 10 years in virtual reality, and it is vital that safeguards are put in place to protect them from harm (The Institution of Engineering and Technology Report, 2022). Educators seem to be in the front line to support students and parents to understand how to protect themselves online. For teachers it can be overwhelming to try and manage all the new challenges that present themselves.
US based Blockchain and Metaverse Company, Mobiloitte, Inc., expects there to be an increased focus regarding the development of safety and security in the Metaverse this year, and with good reason, too. Many experts have been warning the public of the dangers for young people in this largely unregulated space. In 2018 a study of Social VR Users by Pluto VR and The Extended Mind, found almost half of women (49%) regularly using VR reported that they had been sexually harassed at least once. It is noteworthy that 30% of males experienced homophobic and racist comments and that 20% of males had had threats and violent comments (Nix, 2024). The Metagame Horizon Worlds has allegedly been the site of several sexual assaults. For the first time, the alleged sexual assault of a minor in the Metaverse was investigated by police in the UK this year. During the game the minor’s avatar was attacked and subjected to a virtual gang rape by several other players.
The Metaverse and other VR spaces have predators who are focused on connecting with young people using trickery and manipulation. Psychotherapist Nina Jane Patel said “Unlike in the physical world, there’s a lack of clear and enforceable rules in the metaverse” (2022).
Although these virtual spaces are exciting to explore, the students need to be informed and alert to possible dangers. It is essential that young people approach these virtual places analytically, rather than emotionally.
How can teachers best support students to develop critical thinking skills to protect themselves in their virtual environments?
ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education) standards can offer guidance about Digital Citizenship, generally. ISTE outlines standards for students, educators, education leaders, and coaches. Educators can explore the standards through the lens of critical thinking and collaboration to start discussions and activities that explore the benefits and dangers of engaging in virtual realities as well as what digital citizenship should be in the educational context.
ISTE & Harbord & Khan Thinking Toolsⓒ — The Polka Dot Toolⓒ
The Polka Dot Toolⓒ can help students analyze and understand ISTE 1.2.b Online Behavior standard “Students engage in positive, safe, legal and ethical behavior when using technology, including in social interactions online or when using networked devices.”
The Polka Dot Toolⓒ can help your students explore and investigate their opinions and feelings about safe, legal and ethical behavior online (e.g. online harassment, assault, identity theft and bullying).
IDENTITY + MEANING
Ethical Behavior
- Who am I? Who am I online?
- Do my social interactions change in a virtual space?
- Does my online behavior change who I am in the real world?
- Do my beliefs about what is right and wrong change when I am online?
- Does how empathic I am change online?
Legal Behavior
- If I am playing a game, what happens if I break the rules?
- If my online experiences feel real to me and to others, then am I accountable for my behavior?
- If something happens online, does it really happen and am I responsible for it?
Safe Behavior
- How do you hide your real identity online?
- In VR do you encounter threatening behavior?
- Do you tell anyone or are you scared that if you do you might not be able to play?
Other perspectives you can discuss with students could include addiction and motivation and incentive.
Educating students about these perspectives doesn’t rest with school as these issues are also prevalent throughout every aspect of students life including home. It is easier for parents to teach their children in the real world, for example how to ride a bike or cross the road safely. However they don’t always know where in the Metaverse their kids are playing. Parents’ information evenings are an excellent place to use The Polka Dot Toolⓒ to support schools’ digital citizenship programs with their whole community. For these initiatives to work, it is vital that all school stakeholders are updated with the latest information about the benefits and drawbacks of the use of VR, not only in schools but also during home use.
References
Calle Ocho News. (2024, January 11). Virtual reality nightmare unfolds as teen grapples with trauma in metaverse assault. Calle Ocho News. Retrieved March 20, 2024, from https://calleochonews.com/virtual-reality-nightmare-unfolds/
Huddleston, T. (2022, January 21). This is creating more loneliness’: The metaverse could be a serious problem for kids, experts say. CNBC. Retrieved March 20, 2024, from https://www.cnbc.com/2022/01/31/psychologists-metaverse-could-be-a-problem-for-kids-mental-health.html
Hunter, T. (2023, December 21). In nursing homes, VR is a hit. is that a good thing? The Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2023/12/21/virtual-reality-eldercare-benefits-loneliness/
The Institution of Engineering and Technology (Ed.). (2024, April 19). Generation VR. Theiet.org. Retrieved March 20, 2024, from https://www.theiet.org/media/press-releases/press-releases-2022/press-releases-2022-april-june/19-april-2022-generation-vr
Li, D. (Ed.). (2022, July 7). How virtual reality Is transforming healthcare. US Chamber of Commerce. Retrieved March 20, 2024, from https://www.uschamber.com/technology/how-virtual-reality-is-transforming-healthcare
Mercer, K., & Milliken, R. (Producers). (2024). London hospital uses VR physiotherapy to help trauma patients [Film]. BBC.
Meta (Ed.). (n.d.). VR for good. Meta. Retrieved March 20, 2024, from https://about.meta.com/community/vr-for-good/
Mobiloitte Inc. (Ed.). (n.d.). Metaverse trends in the USA in 2024. Medium. Retrieved October 25, 2023, from https://mobiloitteinc.medium.com/metaverse-trends-in-the-usa-in-2024-0463a8ea19da
Nix, N. (2024, February 4). Attacks in the metaverse are booming. police are starting to pay attention. The Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2024/02/04/metaverse-sexual-assault-prosecution/Sales, N. J. (2024, January 5). A girl was allegedly raped in the metaverse. Is this the beginning of a dark new future? Retrieved March 20, 2024, from https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/jan/05/metaverse-sexual-assault-vr-game-online-safety-meta
You may also be interested in reading more articles written by Harbord & Khan for Intrepid Ed News.
