The week in the metaverse: inclusion, virtual tourism, and a growing scandal against Meta

Source: CritpoTendencia Original Title: The week in the metaverse: inclusion, virtual tourism, and a growing scandal against Meta Original Link: Immersive technology is at an ethical and social crossroads this week. On one hand, the metaverse is rapidly advancing as a digital passport for culture. Furthermore, its inclusive potential is gaining support: studies confirm benefits in the representation of disability in avatars, and UCAM applies immersive environments to train more empathetic professionals. Even religion is joining in, with the Cathedral of Chiclayo holding Masses in Roblox.

However, this technological expansion is overshadowed by a serious accusation against Meta. Court documents indicate that the company allegedly concealed evidence of psychological harm in adolescents, prioritizing economic gain over safety.

Travel without leaving your environment? Do it in the metaverse

The nostalgia of travel cannot be contained in virtual reality glasses. No simulation replaces the thrill of a train or the smell of an unfamiliar street.

However, the metaverse does not attempt to replace that world, but to expand it and make it more accessible. It is creating a preliminary, inclusive, and lasting form of tourism, capable of igniting the desire to explore before stepping outside the home. More and more iconic spaces feature immersive replicas:

• France: the Louvre Museum offers a virtual experience to tour its halls, enlarge works, and access guided stories by historians. The Palace of Versailles can also be visited online, including areas closed to the general public.
• Egypt: areas of the Giza necropolis and tombs of the Valley of the Kings have been digitized, allowing 3D tours of restricted spaces even during physical visits.
• Brazil: the Iguazu National Park features a sensory replica in virtual reality.
• South Korea: the Metaverse Seoul project brings together cultural routes, K-pop festivals, traditional markets, and visits to Buddhist temples.
• United States: national parks and cities like New York or San Francisco offer virtual experiences to explore architectural heritage, museums, and culinary itineraries.

Meta is accused of hiding causal evidence of the harmful effects of its platforms

According to court documents, Mark Zuckerberg allegedly blocked the hiring of specialized child safety personnel to avoid diverting resources from the development of the metaverse.

The text alleges that Meta withheld internal evidence about psychological harm to adolescents and adjusted algorithms to exploit minors' vulnerabilities, prioritizing screen time over mental health. Meta denies these accusations, claims that the quotes are taken out of context, and denies intentionally hiding information.

With more than 1,800 claimants, this litigation transcends the legal: it is an examination of contemporary digital ethics. If the directive is found guilty of sacrificing security for profit, it would set a historic precedent in corporate responsibility.

Peruvian church holds masses in Roblox

The metaverse has also arrived in Peru through an unexpected case: the Santa María Cathedral of Chiclayo has gone viral by moving the mass service to a virtual environment created in Roblox.

Under the Chiclayo Eterno project, the congregation recreated a digital replica of the city, including a temple where masses are celebrated in real time. The goal is to bring faith closer to the youth through platforms that are part of their daily life.

Every day starting at 7 p.m., any user can enter with their avatar and participate in this digital space, where tradition merges with immersive experience.

The representation of disability in avatars offers real advantages

A joint study by the University of Stuttgart, California State University at Fullerton, and the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems revealed that representing real disability in an avatar can generate significant psychological benefits.

Ksenia Keplinger, director of the Organizational Leadership and Diversity group at MPI-IS, stated:

We wondered what would happen if avatars reflected a person's actual disability. Our results show that participants felt predominantly comfortable with their inclusive avatars when interacting in this virtual world. The more a participant identified with their disability, the more positive the feedback.

Researchers urge companies to adopt more authentic representations in virtual environments, emphasizing that visible diversity promotes integration and a sense of belonging in the workplace.

UCAM uses immersive technology to support neurodivergent children

The Catholic University of Murcia is promoting a pioneering project to transform the training of Psychology students through an immersive environment that simulates guidance interviews in the classroom.

Through avatars, future professionals interact with a mother and a neurodivergent child, allowing them to apply knowledge and develop communication skills in a safe and sensitive environment. This application of immersion not only seeks realism but also aims to promote empathetic and effective training for engaging with families and children with specific needs.

As a final reflection, we remember the words of Jensen Huang: “we will create a future in these metaverses before downloading the blueprints to be manufactured in the physical world”.