Your Voice: Dire need to tackle real-life challenges before diving into the metaverse; overcoming language barrier through sports

Over the years, people have strived to know more about the metaverse, the hidden world which lies within virtual reality.

The metaverse is a virtual world where people are able to interact with each other and various objects, usually computer-generated. Being visualised as three-dimensional, you are able to touch, feel and engage in many activities including socialising, learning, fighting or playing. With this new technology, we have the potential to change the way we live, enabling new forms of social interaction, creativity and action beyond the physical limits we usually live with.

Among the unexpected and quick spasms occurring in this age of technology, there is one which needs to have much more attention drawn to it before it is implemented. Palmer Luckey, the founder of a virtual reality firm, claims to have designed a new headset which ends your life if your player dies in the game, as it is loaded with explosives. It is important to note he has not yet proven that it works and it is not being sold anywhere. It is simply a tool promoting self-harm which is unlikely to be allowed.

However, the VR headset idea erases the crucial boundary which has been maintained for centuries between fantasy and reality. Games are undeniably an important part of a child’s life while growing up, but shouldn’t death be where we draw the line? The legal implications of such an invention would have to be taken into account. In the event of the death of a player, would the player themselves, the game developers or the explosives manufacturers be blamed for the loss of life? This raises questions about responsibility for additions to the metaverse.

The main question we should be asking is why our society is gradually becoming so engrossed by the realm of the metaverse to begin with. We live on the Earth: a utopia we have tried to adapt over the past millennia to perfectly fit our needs, wants and passions. Why are we trying to replicate a digital version of this world when we are already living in one which needs fixing?

Despite the metaverse being a unique and exciting idea made possible by new technology, we still have a real world to mend before 2030. This is a more urgent goal we should be focusing on because the real world is the foundation without which the metaverse would be impossible to construct.

Explainer: 7 metaverse terms to help you understand the future of the internet, from Web3 to play-to-earn games

Another issue to consider is that the metaverse and other virtual worlds could desensitise people to the value and significance of human life. Too much virtual existence could increase the risk of social isolation. New generations could begin to rely too much on technology and could become addicted to it, maybe never learning to master the tangible human connections and real-world relationships which we happily possess right now.

While the invention of virtual reality in 1991 was a huge accomplishment for civilisation, the time has come for a cage to be placed over VR to prevent us from losing control over the next few decades and neglecting the values we are so grateful for today. This is the time when our eyes need to be kept most open.

Face Off: Is the metaverse the future for humankind?

Ha Jin-sung, Hong Kong International School

On April 22, Hong Kong International School students Avi Shekhar and Zachary Lai hosted a sports day for underprivileged children from non-Chinese-speaking (NCS) backgrounds. They partnered with IBEL, a charity that educates and empowers these children by providing them with subsidised after-school lessons as well as cultural and sport opportunities.

Their idea for this service was born during a school programme that HKIS calls the Self-Motivated Learning Project. Students can dedicate a portion of their time and effort in and out of school to a project of their own choosing and gain help from mentors and peers. Avi and Zachary’s question for their project was: “How can we support Hong Kong’s underprivileged non-Chinese-speaking children by providing them opportunities through sports?”

About 8.4 per cent of Hong Kong’s population are from ethnic minorities. Education in Hong Kong is compulsory, but the system does not provide equal opportunities for all in local schools. NCS students suffer a disadvantage in these schools, resulting in poorer career prospects. As a result, they often end up in poverty.

At the event, 15 student volunteers from HKIS hosted activities such as volleyball, basketball, dance and football for the 44 students from IBEL. It was a day filled with happiness and laughter, but also a learning day.

Avi and Zachary wrote: “Our sports day gave us a window through which we were able to learn about Hong Kong’s severe education inequality. It was an amazing event that we think brought the best out of the HKIS community. This event was not only an amazing opportunity for the many children who participated but also a chance for them to interact with their peers and HKIS students, something which the pandemic deprived them of chances to do.”

“We want to continue volunteer work in high school by starting a club,” said Avi, when asked how he and Zachary plan to continue their passion for service.

Majority of Hong Kong ethnic minority students polled have negative feelings about identity

While their event was a success, the two students emphasised the need to do more: “We are delighted that we have been able to help our community and empower students with IBEL, but there is still a long road ahead.” The problem of education inequality has only worsened in recent years, they added.

In addition to the sports day, they also hosted a supply drive. Students at HKIS contributed items such as notebooks, pencils, pens and erasers, as well as English and Cantonese storybooks that would go to IBEL and be distributed to students.

In their work with IBEL, Avi and Zachary have demonstrated the values we should all strive to promote in our city.