One of the beautiful things about technology in 2022 is its accessibility.
For many, phones, tablets, and computers are readily available and very affordable. And once owned, their interfaces are often so intuitive that even small children can pick them up and begin instantly tapping and swiping away.
But it’s easy to forget it wasn’t always like this. For a long time, clunky, second-rate operating systems, and expensive hardware, limited premium experiences to the well-off. It is only now, with modern software, a surplus of second-hand models, and constant releases creating a diverse and competitive market, that the majority can get their hands on good quality tech.
But Web 3 is looming, and with it there will be a whole host of brand-new topics to learn about. There must be a concerted effort not to let those with fewer resources – particularly children – get left behind.
The importance of Web 3
Only the very oldest of Generation Z, those born between 1997 and 2012, will have even the vaguest memories of what life was like before the internet. YouTube was launched before many were born, and the first iPhone, before any of them began secondary school. For Gen Z and Gen Alpha, those born after 2012, the idea of a world not connected by the internet is supremely alien.
It hardly needs to be said, but over the last few decades, the internet has grown to be arguably the most integral cog ensuring a smooth-running, functioning society. It is so ingrained that almost every industry in the world would be unable to function properly without it. And this reliance will only grow as Web 3 becomes the norm, which makes it critical that we begin to educate children now on its uses and how to navigate it.
Already, many of today’s adults will find it difficult to explain what Web 3 is, let alone teach the next generation how to use it. Educating children early will not only help them thrive in the future, but they will also be able to pass gained knowledge up the chain to their parents. This is, of course, just history repeating itself. It is the equivalent of kids showing their parents how to use a touch screen or work their email. But the revolution Web3 is about to bring is on a different scale to any previous technological advancement. Soon, the greatest opportunities will be solely available on the new internet, and it is critical we ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed.
Meeting the kids halfway
To work towards this goal, at PraSaga we have partnered with MetaHug, a global philanthropic organisation that is educating children about Web 3. Rather than teaching children using traditional methods, we’re working to meet them in an environment in which they feel comfortable – the popular gaming platform Roblox.
Screen time is now an inevitability for children, but there is no reason that it cannot be productive. MetaHug gamifies learning, producing learning resources and courses available through Roblox. For children, this means easily accessible lessons. For parents, reduced concerns about the amount of time their children spend on the internet, while also giving them the peace of mind to know their kids are being productive. Already, Roblox has over 50 million daily active users – a quarter of which are under nine years old – why not turn it into a fun learning experience?
There are now thousands of children around the world who are learning about Web 3 topics like the Metaverse, blockchain and DAO because of MetaHug. But most importantly, this is all available for free as an equal opportunity learning experience. As long as children have some way of accessing the internet, they will be able to learn how to upskill themselves in preparation for the future. And because it is run through Roblox, they also have the option to monetise the Web 3 products they create.
That it will be difficult for some of the older generations to fully embrace everything Web 3 has to offer is unavoidable. But there is no reason children shouldn’t be given every chance to make the most of the technological revolution on the horizon. Web 3 will become an integral part of day-to-day life, and it is vital that we provide the next generation with the tools to make the most of it, regardless of their background.
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