Welfare

Online and Gaming Trends

Roblox Risks Redux

What?

Roblox is a gaming platform where users can both create and play games. With real money, users can purchase the in-game currency called Robux to buy items.
It's a vast ecosystem of "experiences" and games, including concerts, branded simulations, and more metaverse elements.
Though they've continually added safety features and parental controls, mature content is still easily accessible, instances of bullying and grooming continue, and an SEC investigation is in progress.
Roblox gambling games, dance club "experiences," and the Clip It feature are just a few elements that adults may not know about.

Now What?

It's important for adults to understand the breadth and depth of Roblox before their kid signs up: It's overwhelming. That means parents should take advantage of every safety feature and get a feel for the games their kids are playing and the interactions they're having.
Adults also need to know that the Clip It feature is TikTok for Roblox. So even if a kid doesn't have TikTok, Clip It uses the same short-form video style with Roblox content, which can also contain mature stuff despite its blocky animation.
Talk to kids about gambling on Roblox or elsewhere (as sports betting is gaining in popularity with teens): Why do people gamble? What are the risks? At what point does it become an addiction?

What?

Pump.fun is a site that initially merged (often very mature) livestreams with memecoins (cryptocurrency based on memes). Basically, anyone can create a volatile cryptocurrency worth real money. The livestreaming feature was shut down (for now), but some recordings are still on YouTube.
Since the age gate is just a click, kids can use the site alongside adults. And they do.

Now What?

Similar to Roblox gambling and sports betting, kids are participating on these platforms.
Ask kids if they know about these games and sites. Do their parents know they use them? What kinds of financial literacy information do they know—and not know?

Duo Is Dead (and other aggressive marketing)

What?

Brands increasingly use specific pressures to keep users coming back. For instance, the Duolingo owl has become a meme because of its aggressive insistence that you use the app.
Recently, the brand announced that Duo the owl "probably died waiting for you to do your lesson."
Pressure to engage with apps is only growing. This includes Snapchat Streaks, a similar feature being tested for TikTok, and potential virtual pets (think Tamagotchi) in Instagram.

Now What?

Though these pressures can seem silly, they're persuasive, especially if they're linked to social connections.
Ask kids if they ever feel pressured to respond to notifications, open an app, or keep a streak of some kind. Even though we know they're not that important, why do they often feel important?
What steps can we take to protect our well-being and reduce those unnecessary pressures?

Tiny trends:

Showing your pain tolerance has become an online challenge, including dropping heavy things on oneself (#droppingheavythingsonmyfeet). Use our tips to deal with trends like this.