Meta, formerly known as Facebook, is opening up its virtual world, Horizon Worlds, to preteens between the ages of 10 and 12. This move comes after Meta introduced new parent permissions last month, allowing parents to add approved contacts to their children’s accounts. The virtual experiences on Horizon Worlds are designed to be age-appropriate and include social hangout rooms such as “The Space Station” and “The Aquarium.”
According to Meta, these virtual worlds provide a safe and engaging environment for preteens to hang out with friends and family, both in-headset and on mobile. The company plans to encourage creators to develop even more age-appropriate and enriching experiences for this younger audience.
To address concerns about safety and well-being, Meta has introduced additional safeguards for preteen accounts. These include disabled voice chat, personal boundary features for avatars, and non-discoverability. The virtual spaces on Horizon Worlds have also been co-designed with third parties as part of Meta’s Trust, Transparency & Control Labs initiative.
This move by Meta comes after the company faced criticism for targeting users under the age of 13 and concerns about the mental well-being and safety of young users. Meta has been facing lawsuits and federal investigations related to these issues. The introduction of new safety features and age-appropriate content on Horizon Worlds is an attempt to address these concerns and provide a more secure and enjoyable experience for preteens.
The inclusion of age ratings for each world, as well as customizable settings for parents, further demonstrates Meta’s commitment to providing a safe and controlled environment for young users. The company has learned from past experiences and is taking proactive steps to ensure the well-being of its users.
This expansion of Horizon Worlds to preteens is not only a significant development for Meta but also reflects the growing interest in virtual reality experiences among younger audiences. As technology continues to advance, it is crucial for companies like Meta to adapt and provide age-appropriate content and safety measures to cater to this demographic.
In conclusion, Meta’s decision to open up Horizon Worlds to preteens is a step towards creating a safer and more inclusive virtual environment. By introducing age-appropriate content and additional safeguards, Meta is addressing concerns about the well-being and safety of young users. This move reflects the company’s commitment to providing a positive and engaging experience for all users, regardless of their age.
