Connected Play in Virtual Worlds: Communication and Control Mechanisms in Virtual Worlds for Children and Adolescents

Abstract

Technology plays an essential role in shaping youth’s communication and social interactions in online multiplayer games. Due to physical distancing restrictions during the COVID-19 global pandemic, online multiplayer games like Minecraft and Roblox are well-positioned to amplify healthy communication/social connections and mitigate the impact of social isolation. Research so far has been focused on how these gaming environments support youth development from the perspectives of individual stakeholders (e.g., caregivers, educators, designers, and developers). However, features of these games, such as communication and parental controls, are often misaligned with the ways in which children develop communication and social skills. Using a series of case studies of popular virtual worlds and online games, this paper provides an analysis of critical design features that serve youth throughout different stages of childhood and early adolescence. We offer three main contributions: (a) a comparison matrix of similarities and differences in communication and control features between platforms; (b) an evaluation of design features in selected virtual world platforms that promote safe and positive social interactions; and (c) a method for cross-platform comparison aimed at helping researchers, designers, and practitioners examine specific dimensions of social communication and play experience in virtual worlds.

Development and Application of a Metaverse-Based Social Skills Training Program for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder to Improve Social Interaction: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Collaborative activities include solving problems and challenges, forming teams to execute missions through collaboration and organization, creating and decorating avatars, and practicing digital literacy skills, such as coding and writing. Internet-based multiplayer games can strengthen healthy communication and social connections as well as alleviate social isolation [ 24 ]. Playing games on internet-based gaming platforms can help foster a sense of belonging and develop friendships that are essential for the social and emotional development of children and adolescents.…”

Digital displacement of youth offending: addressing the issue

“…Within video gaming, both the game Minecraft and the chat platform Discord use a two-level approach, where bots identify threats or bullying language in chats that are forwarded to a human moderator (Du et al , 2021). Responses to cheating from video game developers range from permanent bans to creative ways of publicly disciplining the player.…”

“The world we live in now”: A qualitative investigation into parents’, teachers’, and children’s perceptions of social networking site use

“…Participants who identified as not owning/using SNS were asked to explain what SNS were used for. This was to ensure that all participants possessed an accurate interpretation of what SNS are in line with Lu and Yang’s ( 2014 ) definition of SNS (online platforms with the opportunity to create a profile, share information, and communicate with others) and Du et al.’s ( 2021 ) extension of SNS to incorporate games with similar services.…”

“…As online platforms which allow the user to create a profile, share information, and interact with others (Lu & Yang, 2014 ), SNS span many online communicative services such as Facebook, SnapChat, and Instagram. Although possessing less focus upon the sharing of content, gaming platforms such as Fortnite, also provide opportunities for socializing online (Du, Grace, Jagannath, & Salen‐Tekinbas, 2021 ). Despite age restrictions of SNS averaging 13 years, 4% of 5–7 year‐olds and 21% of 8–11 year‐olds currently own an SNS profile (Ofcom, 2019 ).…”