{"id":117598,"date":"2024-10-23T22:45:51","date_gmt":"2024-10-23T15:45:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/?p=117598"},"modified":"2024-10-23T22:45:51","modified_gmt":"2024-10-23T15:45:51","slug":"youth-face-rising-risks-of-harassment-and-exploitation-in-the-metaverse","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/?p=117598","title":{"rendered":"Youth Face Rising Risks of Harassment and Exploitation in the Metaverse"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:block\"\r\n     data-ad-format=\"fluid\"\r\n     data-ad-layout-key=\"-fb+5w+4e-db+86\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"7910942971\"><\/ins>\r\n<script>\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<p><strong>Summary: <\/strong>A new study reveals that youth are vulnerable to various forms of harm in the metaverse, including bullying, harassment, and sexual exploitation. Using data from over 5,000 U.S. teens, researchers found significant incidents of hate speech, sexual harassment, and grooming behavior in virtual reality (VR) spaces.<\/p>\n<p>The study highlights that girls face higher risks of sexual harassment and grooming compared to boys, and many youth are not using available safety features. These findings underscore the urgent need for stronger safety measures and education on how to navigate the metaverse responsibly.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Key Facts<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>44% of youth experienced hate speech; 35% faced harassment in the metaverse.<\/li>\n<li>Girls are more likely to face sexual harassment and grooming behaviors than boys.<\/li>\n<li>Many teens are not using available safety features like blocking or reporting.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Source: <\/strong>FAU<\/p>\n<p><strong>The metaverse, a space where the lines between physical and digital realities blur, is rising among younger populations. As of March, 33% of teens own a virtual reality (VR) device and 13% use it weekly.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>With the metaverse offering richer emotional experiences, youth may be particularly vulnerable to significant harm in these immersive spaces, underscoring the need to explore potential risks.<\/p>\n<p>Unfortunately, research of online victimization in the metaverse is sorely lacking. A new study by\u00a0Florida Atlantic University,\u00a0in collaboration with the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, is one of the first to examine the experiences of harm in the metaverse among youth in the United States.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><picture fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-105660\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/neurosciencenews.com\/files\/2024\/10\/metaverse-teen-bullying-neuroscience.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/neurosciencenews.com\/files\/2024\/10\/metaverse-teen-bullying-neuroscience-300x200.jpg.webp 300w, https:\/\/neurosciencenews.com\/files\/2024\/10\/metaverse-teen-bullying-neuroscience-770x513.jpg.webp 770w, https:\/\/neurosciencenews.com\/files\/2024\/10\/metaverse-teen-bullying-neuroscience-1155x770.jpg.webp 1155w, https:\/\/neurosciencenews.com\/files\/2024\/10\/metaverse-teen-bullying-neuroscience-370x247.jpg.webp 370w, https:\/\/neurosciencenews.com\/files\/2024\/10\/metaverse-teen-bullying-neuroscience-293x195.jpg.webp 293w, https:\/\/neurosciencenews.com\/files\/2024\/10\/metaverse-teen-bullying-neuroscience-150x100.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"\/><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/neurosciencenews.com\/files\/2024\/10\/metaverse-teen-bullying-neuroscience.jpg\" alt=\"This shows cartoons of avatars.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/neurosciencenews.com\/files\/2024\/10\/metaverse-teen-bullying-neuroscience.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/neurosciencenews.com\/files\/2024\/10\/metaverse-teen-bullying-neuroscience-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/neurosciencenews.com\/files\/2024\/10\/metaverse-teen-bullying-neuroscience-770x513.jpg 770w, https:\/\/neurosciencenews.com\/files\/2024\/10\/metaverse-teen-bullying-neuroscience-1155x770.jpg 1155w, https:\/\/neurosciencenews.com\/files\/2024\/10\/metaverse-teen-bullying-neuroscience-370x247.jpg 370w, https:\/\/neurosciencenews.com\/files\/2024\/10\/metaverse-teen-bullying-neuroscience-293x195.jpg 293w, https:\/\/neurosciencenews.com\/files\/2024\/10\/metaverse-teen-bullying-neuroscience-150x100.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"\/> <\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Findings also reveal that girls employed in-platform safety measures significantly more so than boys such as \u201cSpace Bubble,\u201d \u201cPersonal Boundary\u201d and \u201cSafe Zone.\u201d Credit: Neuroscience News<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Using a nationally-representative sample of 5,005 13 to 17 year olds in the U.S., researchers focused on their experiences with VR devices, including 12 specific types of harm experienced, protective strategies employed, and differences in experiences between boys and girls.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Results of the study, published in the journal\u00a0<em>New Media &amp; Society,<\/em>\u00a0found a significant percentage of youth reported experiencing various forms of harm in these spaces, including hate speech, bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, grooming behaviors (predators building trust with minors), and unwanted exposure to violent or sexual content. The study also revealed notable gender differences in experiences.<\/p>\n<p>Among the study findings:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>32.6% of youth own a VR headset (41% of boys vs. 25.1% of girls)<\/li>\n<li>More than 44% received hate speech\/slurs (8.9% many times); 37.6% experienced bullying; and\u00a035% faced harassment<\/li>\n<li>Almost 19% experienced sexual harassment; 43.3% dealt with trolling; 31.6% were maliciously obstructed; and 29.5% experienced threats<\/li>\n<li>More than 18% were doxed (publicly revealing someone\u2019s personal information without their consent); and 22.8% were catfished (creating a false identity online to deceive someone, typically for romantic purposes)<\/li>\n<li>Nearly 21% faced unwanted violent or sexual content; 18.1% experienced grooming or predatory behavior; and 30% were targeted for factors like weight, sexual preference, sexual orientation or political affiliation \u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>Boys and girls experienced similar patterns of mistreatment, but girls experienced sexual harassment and grooming\/predatory behavior more frequently than boys. Boys and girls were equally as likely to be targeted because of their voice, avatar, race, religion or disability.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\u201cCertain populations of youth are disproportionately susceptible to harm such grooming, especially those who suffer from emotional distress or mental health problems, low self-esteem, poor parental relationships and weak family cohesion,\u201d said\u00a0Sameer Hinduja, Ph.D., first author, a professor in the\u00a0School of Criminology and Criminal Justice\u00a0within FAU\u2019s\u00a0College of Social Work and Criminal Justice, co-director of the\u00a0Cyberbullying Research Center, and a faculty associate at the\u00a0Berkman Klein Center\u00a0at Harvard University.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDue to the unique characteristics of metaverse environments, young people may need extra attention and support. The immersive nature of these spaces can amplify experiences and emotions, highlighting the importance of tailored resources to ensure their safety and well-being.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Findings also reveal that girls employed in-platform safety measures significantly more so than boys such as \u201cSpace Bubble,\u201d \u201cPersonal Boundary\u201d and \u201cSafe Zone.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe found that girls are more likely to select avatars designed to reduce the risk of harassment and to use in-platform tools to maintain a safe distance from others. Additionally, both boys and girls feel comfortable leaving metaverse rooms or channels like switching servers in response to potential or actual victimization, although overall, youth tend to use these safety features infrequently,\u201d said Hinduja.<\/p>\n<p>Among the recommendations offered to youth by the researchers include:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Using platform-provided safety features to restrict unwanted interactions and infringements upon their personal space. It is also essential that youth understand and take advantage of the safety features available within metaverse experiences, including blocking, muting, and reporting functionalities.<\/li>\n<li>Continued research and development in these areas to determine how to meet the needs of users in potential or actual victimization contexts<\/li>\n<li>Streamlining platform reporting mechanisms to ensure swift action is taken against perpetrators<\/li>\n<li>Age-gating mechanisms for metaverse environments where mature content and interactions proliferate<\/li>\n<li>Encouraging parents and guardians to take the time to familiarize themselves with available parental control features on VR devices and metaverse platforms to set boundaries, monitor activities, and restrict certain features as needed. An active mediation approach is ideal, where they engage in open and supportive dialogue with children about their metaverse experiences.<\/li>\n<li>The integration of updated, relevant, and accessible digital citizenship and media literacy modules into school curricula to provide youth with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate VR and other emerging technologies safely and responsibly<\/li>\n<li>Consideration by content creators of the ethical implications of their metaverse creations, ensuring that they promote inclusivity, respect, and discourage any form of harassment. They should strive to make their virtual experiences accessible to users from diverse backgrounds, languages, cultures and abilities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\u201cVR concerns of parents and guardians generally reflect and align with their historical anxieties about video games, excessive device use, its sedentary nature, cognitive development, and stranger danger,\u201d said Hinduja.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere remains so much promise with these new technologies, but vigilance is required when it comes to the unique challenges they present as well as the unique vulnerabilities that certain youth users may have. As such, it\u2019s \u2018all hands on deck\u2019 to build a safer and more inclusive metaverse as it continues to evolve.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Study co-author is Justin Patchin, Ph.D., a professor of criminal justice, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and co-director of the Cyberbullying Research Center.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">About this neurodevelopment and metaverse research news<\/h2>\n<p class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#ffffe8\"><strong>Author: <\/strong><a href=\"http:\/\/neurosciencenews.com\/cdn-cgi\/l\/email-protection#85e2e2e4e9eaf0f6f1c5e3e4f0abe0e1f0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Gisele Galoustian<\/a><br \/><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/fau.edu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">FAU<\/a><br \/><strong>Contact: <\/strong>Gisele Galoustian \u2013 FAU<br \/><strong>Image: <\/strong>The image is credited to Neuroscience News<\/p>\n<p class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#ffffe8\"><strong>Original Research: <\/strong>Open access.<br \/>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/journals.sagepub.com\/doi\/abs\/10.1177\/14614448241284413\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Metaverse risks and harms among US youth: Experiences, gender differences, and prevention and response measures<\/a>\u201d by Justin Patchin et al. <em>New Media &amp; Society<\/em><\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-pale-cyan-blue-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color has-background\"\/>\n<p><strong>Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Metaverse risks and harms among US youth: Experiences, gender differences, and prevention and response measures<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Research indicates that participation in metaverse environments and with virtual reality (VR) is increasing among younger populations, and that youth may be the primary drivers of widespread adoption of these technologies. This will more readily happen if their experiences are safe, secure, and positive.<\/p>\n<p>We analyze data from a nationally representative sample of 5005, 13- to 17-year-olds in the United States to measure their experiences of 12 specific harms on VR platforms, and which protective strategies they employed to prevent or respond to them.<\/p>\n<p>Girls were more likely to be sexually harassed and to experience grooming\/predatory behavior, and were more likely to have been targeted specifically because of their gender. Finally, girls were more likely to engage in some specific protective measures online, but overall both boys and girls use platform safety mechanisms infrequently.<\/p>\n<p>We discuss enhancements in policy, content moderation, and feature sets that can serve to better safeguard youth in the metaverse.<\/p>\n<p> <!-- Form created by Optin Forms plugin by WPKube: create beautiful optin forms with ease! --> <!-- https:\/\/wpkube.com\/ --><!--optinforms-form5-container--> <!-- \/ Optin Forms --> <\/div>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:block\"\r\n     data-ad-format=\"fluid\"\r\n     data-ad-layout-key=\"-fb+5w+4e-db+86\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"7910942971\"><\/ins>\r\n<script>\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script><br \/>\n<br \/><div data-type=\"_mgwidget\" data-widget-id=\"1660802\">\r\n<\/div>\r\n<script>(function(w,q){w[q]=w[q]||[];w[q].push([\"_mgc.load\"])})(window,\"_mgq\");\r\n<\/script>\r\n<br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/neurosciencenews.com\/metaverse-teen-bullying-27923\/\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Summary: A new study reveals that youth are vulnerable to various forms of harm in the metaverse, including bullying, harassment, and sexual exploitation. Using data from over 5,000 U.S. teens, &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/?p=117598\" class=\"more-link\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-117598","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-health","entry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/117598","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=117598"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/117598\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=117598"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=117598"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=117598"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}