A Humane Social Learning-Informed Metaverse

Cultivating Positive Technology Experiences in Digital Learning Environments

Bibliographic Data

ID22004553
AuthorsAndrew Villamil (0000-0001-9775-0569, Claremont Graduate University, corresponding author), Sara King (0000-0003-0494-7851, University of California San Diego)
Year2024
Volume27
Issue1
Pages47-56
Publication date2024-01-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueCyberpsychology Behavior and Social Networking (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2152-2715 • E-ISSN: 2152-2723
PublisherSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1089/cyber.2023.0001
PMID38197842
OpenAlexW4390704932
LanguageEN
Citations received5
References cited62

Online environments, such as metaverses, provide distinct social environments for people to engage in complex, cognitive, and multidirectional learning and meaning-making experiences. These engaging and influential environments highlight important factors associated with the Social Learning Theory (a process through which external settings influence behavior in specific environments). According to this theory, environments provide a space for youth to engage in reciprocal interactions of interpersonal, behavioral, and environmental cues. Online environments designed by social media companies have been scrutinized, given their dependence on algorithms (artificial intelligence systems). Research has revealed the effects of systems that use machine learning to subversively maintain engagement on their platforms for as long as possible. Given the constant changes in socializing environments, younger generational cohorts need to be adequately prepared for systems that determine what type of content they are exposed to, and shape the timing, frequency, and agentic influencers they engage with. Therefore, this article proposes a necessity to expand our understanding about social learning and current technology design principles. This article demonstrates the need for a paradigm shift toward exploring an innovative construct referred to as the digital learning environment. We examine existing issues in the design of digital spaces, provide a positive developmental psychology framework that informs further research, and propose solutions for researchers, educators, policymakers, and caregivers as they navigate healthy technology use and predominant mental health issues in the 21st century

Influencer marketing · Knowledge management · Learning environment · Pedagogy · Social learning · Social learning theory · Social media · World Wide Web · Computer Science · COVID-19 and Mental Health · Digital Mental Health Interventions · Impact of Technology on Adolescents · Psychology · Social Psychology

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