This does not go well with the game, with avatars being the first way we communicate and communicate with each other. Noelle Martin, a law researcher at the University of Western Australia and co-author of the upcoming Meta’s metaverse paper, raises such concerns. “If people can change their 3D hyperrealistic avatars, or change, filter, and change their digital identities,” [there is] related to the potential for physical dysmorphia, selfie dysmorphia, and the problem of eating … making] The ‘impossible and impossible’ standards of beauty, especially for girls, ”she said via email.
That fear is not in vain. Facebook has been criticized for blocking internal research showing that Instagram has a negative impact on body image for young girls. A report in the Wall Street Journal found that the content of the program focused on the body and life leaving users vulnerable to physical illness. But in theory, while avatars will be a great way to express themselves often, vulnerable people may be more pressured to change their appearance. And Martin says customized avatars can be used to “increase injustice and injustice” as well.
Meta spokeswoman Eloise Quintanilla said the company was aware of the potential risks: “We are asking ourselves important questions as to how the switch makes sense for the avatars to be safe and secure.” Microsoft, which recently announced its metaverse plans, has also been learning to use an avatar, although his research has focused on workplaces such as conferences.
The prospect of children’s avatars raises all other legal and moral questions. Roblox, a very successful gaming platform whose first market is with kids, has been using avatars as a great way for players to connect. And the company announced its metaverse plans last month; CEO and founder David Baszucki he announced that the Roblox transformation will be a place “where you should be whoever you want to be.” So far, Roblox avatars have been playing, but Baszucki said the company is following suit: “Every body, every face, every hair, every outfit, every move, face look, everything comes together … if we do it right, we will see an explosion of technology, not just between our manufacturers and our users. “
In the end, the avatars represent how we want to be viewed. However, there is no set of things that can happen if things do not go well. The technology has to go well, to be honest enough to fit what people know without compromising the mental health of the people behind the avatars. As Park puts it: “We can’t stop … changing. So we have to be careful. ” If Facebook posts show anything, then social media companies are well aware of their professional health, but governments and social security networks are lagging behind in protecting those most at risk.
Crane understands the dangers of visual avatars for those who may have physical dysmorphia, but says the ability to see themselves in the world cannot be explained. “For me, the joy of seeing myself properly represented would mean that I am not the only one who believes that my presence is worthwhile,” he says. “It means that a team of builders also sees my potential, in my appearance, as a man.”