RT Journal Article
T1 Children’s behavior at metaverses: Interactions, digital identities, and parent’s perceptions
A1 Bonales Daimiel, Gema
A1 Moreno Albarracín, Belén
A1 García Rivero, Ainhoa
AB Children are considered one of the main user profiles of metaverses, since they get into those digital universes by playing sandbox video games as Fortnite, Minecraft, or Roblox. However, a lack of research focused on the how, why and outcomes of this vulnerable target in metaverses has been noted. This study aims to investigate the behavior of children in the metaverses through their use of video games and the perceptions of their parents, considering them anindirect target. A total of 31 semi-structured interviews were conducted with children aged between six and 12 years old and their parents. Also, a non-participatory observation of five children while they were playing video games in their domestic environments were carried out. Results show that children play sandbox video games to have both online and offline presence, interacting with familiar people and strangers to feel connected to the community. Also, theyrecognize brands in those universes and the importance of designing avatars. For its part, parents identify some negative outcomes of video games, but their perception is mainly positive, above all in terms of collaboration and participation. A dichotomy between observation findings and parents’ response has been noted, reflecting a need of digital literacy in terms of communication.
PB Bastas
YR 2024
FD 2024-02-15
LK https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/110799
UL https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/110799
LA eng
NO Bonales-Daimiel, G., Moreno-Albarracín, B., & García-Rivero, A. (2024). Children’s behavior at metaverses: Interactions, digital identities, and parent’s perceptions. Online Journal of Communication and Media Technologies, 14(2), e202418.
DS Docta Complutense
RD 10 abr 2025