The metaverse is coming. Ready or not. And it's bringing with it a whole host of questions we haven't even begun to grapple with, especially when it comes to mental health. We’re talking about a space where identities are fluid, physics are optional, and the line between reality and simulation blurs daily.

Safety in a Digital Wild West?

At its core, trauma-informed care is about establishing safety, building trust, and giving people agency over their own decisions. How do you keep folks safe in a wholly virtual space where harassment can become much more extreme and terrifying with the help of technology? Where "deepfakes" steal your face and voice? Where a digital avatar can be verbally attacked, inflicting tangible real-world emotional damage? Is it even possible?

An avatar of a domestic violence survivor entering a metaverse support group. All of a sudden, they’re confronted with an avatar that happens to look exactly like their abuser. Or a teen groomed on the internet, thinking they’ve made a buddy online, not knowing they’ve fallen into a highly developed predator hunting ground. These aren't hypothetical scenarios; they're looming realities.

This goes beyond the ability to block users or flag content. That requires a serious reset of how we design and moderate these spaces. We require virtual safety measures that are at least as strong as those we have in place for the physical world. First, we need to ensure that developers and moderators take training in trauma-informed principles. These experiences will enable them to better understand the possible effects of what they design and do. To win, we need to build an expectation of accountability. Users must be empowered to report abuse, and platforms must be held accountable for following through.

Trust in a World of Avatars?

Trustworthiness is another pillar of trauma-informed care. How do you develop and hold space for trust in a digital world where impersonation is the norm, where anyone can be anyone. Where catfishing is an art form? If a place where your digital identity can be stolen, hacked and used against you?

The metaverse’s promise of anonymity is both liberating and hazardous to the users. It allows individuals to explore different aspects of themselves, connect with like-minded people, and find support without fear of judgment. It has afforded new opportunities for nefarious actors to exploit the vulnerabilities of individuals, spread disinformation, and cause harm.

Consider this: if you've experienced trauma, opening up requires a leap of faith. You need to feel safe and supported. And this is how you dare to feel? You actually have no idea who might be on the other side of the screen!

It’s time to figure out how we can establish trust in the metaverse while still protecting people’s privacy. Maybe verifiable credentials, reputation systems, or even some form of decentralized identity could help. In the end, it really boils down to building a culture of empathy, respect and accountability.

Choice or Digital Coercion?

Empowerment through choice is crucial. What if the decisions you take in the metaverse impact the world outside it? What does it do to your body when you’re coerced into doing things that go against your limits? What happens when you get addicted to this dopamine rush of virtual rewards?

The metaverse can truly be life-changing as it opens up spaces for people to express their creativity, meet others socially and find themselves in new ways. This potential poses a threat of digital coercion, manipulation, and exploitation.

Think about the gamification of the metaverse. When you add the constant stream of possible awards and other incentives, the pull becomes almost irresistible. This is particularly evident among people affected by trauma or living with mental illness. Or take the promise of targeted advertising and personalized content to undermine dark patterns and their corresponding manipulation of behavior.

We need to ensure that users are empowered to make informed choices about their experiences and interactions in the metaverse. Increase digital literacy and awareness of risks. Create tools that give users clear, easy-to-understand measures to take control of their data, manage their privacy, and set healthy boundaries.

ONBARR 2025: A Call to Action

Chloe Cole's perspective on youth gender-affirming care, George Couchie's wisdom on Cultural Mindfulness, Detective Marcus Joseph's insights into digital dangers, and Adam Ventura's exploration of AI in education – these are vital conversations. The breakout sessions, from FASD to keeping kids safe online, are a testament to why we must urgently and effectively combat these multifaceted challenges.

Let's be blunt. Attending a conference is not enough. Now we have to turn all this talk into meaningful action.

The metaverse isn’t the technology of some future decade — it’s actively being created today. The revolution starts inside you. You have the power to be an incubator of healing and empowerment. It is our obligation to create systems that enable this, not continue to do harm.

  • Demand responsible development: Advocate for ethical guidelines and trauma-informed design principles.
  • Support digital literacy initiatives: Help people understand the risks and opportunities of the metaverse.
  • Hold platforms accountable: Demand transparency and accountability for addressing abuse and exploitation.

Don’t turn the metaverse into a new digital minefield for people who have been previously traumatized already. We all want to work together to build a space that everyone feels safe, respected, and empowered to participate in. Apply the discount code BENN20 before June 30th, and let’s create a better transportation future, together.