Dangers of Metaverse as 'groomers' paradise' lets kids into virtual strip clubs

ok.co.uk:

Put simply, the Metaverse is a 3D version of the internet.Think of it as a shared virtual space for users across the world to play games, purchase items and build environments - a little like video game The Sims.The Metaverse includes all sorts of digital experiences such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) - such as the hit game Pokemon Go - and blockchain, which is essentially a virtual wallet that records purchases and sales, and enables digital money, called cryptocurrency, to exist. "Imagine you come home from work or school after a long day and login to the Metaverse," an expert at Safer Schools says. "You’re able to access an ‘online universe’ where the limits of your day-to-day life disappear in an instant.

Want to fly on a broomstick or own a pet lion? Want to play chess with someone from across the world or have a picnic in the Colosseum?

You can do all of this in the Metaverse while also interacting with other people - even if you’re just in your living room." This might sound like good fun - and it is - but it comes with serious dangers.

In the same way older generations saw dial-up internet transform into high-speed, children and young people today will experience the early stages of Metaverse technology.They can create their own 'avatar' - a little icon to represent themselves - and interact with other people from all over the world. "The Metaverse's one-to-one, immersive conditions make it easier for bad actors to persuade, mislead and manipulate," according to a March 2022 Common Sense Media report.