The metaverse might seem like an abstract world, but kids may already be living in it. Some researchers say popular gaming platforms like Roblox, Fortnite and Minecraft are early versions. With kids spending so much time playing virtually, hosts Nicole Edwards and Taylor Owen find out whether online friendships are as healthy as in-person socializing for youth. Guest Katie Salen Tekinbaş; is a game designer, UC Irvine Informatics professor, and co-founder of a youth-led Minecraft camp called Connected Camps. She outlines the similarities between metaverses and popular gaming platforms, and the artificial division between 'real life' and 'online life' that some parents make with their kids. Guest Chris Ferguson, a psychologist and video game researcher, explains how friendships between kids who have never met can feel so real, whether there are substantial differences between in-person and online friendships, and the unique advantages that come with having strong ties in digital spaces. FIND OUT MORE: Read about Katie Salen-Tekinbaş’ organization, Connected Camps https://connectedcamps.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.