The security of the Metaverse has come under scrutiny following incidents of abuse experienced by users. In a research study examining the behavior of Metaverse users, a 21-year-old female researcher created an avatar that was later abused by another user during a private party. This incident raises concerns about the safety of virtual reality spaces, especially for women and marginalized groups.
The research revealed that during the private party, the female researcher was asked to disable the safety settings, leading to an uncomfortable and inappropriate encounter with a male avatar. The impact of such incidents on users is emphasized, as the hand controls vibrate when touched, creating a distressing physical experience.
The report also highlighted instances of homophobic and racist insults experienced by researchers on Horizon Worlds, along with witnessing gun violence within the platform. This incident is not the first of its kind, as in 2021, another user reported a sexual assault in Horizon Worlds.
The findings of the study underscore the need for robust safety measures and user protections in virtual reality environments like the Metaverse to ensure a secure and inclusive experience for all users. It raises awareness about potential risks and calls for the development of policies and technologies to address these issues and create a safer online space.
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