Parliament launches inquiry into growth of ‘immersive and addictive technologies’
Parliament has launched a new inquiry into "addictive" new technology such as virtual and augmented reality.
MPs from the Digital, Culture, Media and Sports committee will focus on how technology can affect users' behaviour towards gaming and social media, particularly among young people.
Conservative MP Damian Collins, chairman of the committee, said: "During our recent inquiries, the committee has heard repeated concerns about the impact to society of the increasing amounts of time that people spend immersed in online worlds, and the potentially addictive nature of social media and gaming.
"We want to explore these concerns during this inquiry and consider what the right response should be in setting public policy for the future."
Parliament will address the links between gaming and gambling, and how to tackle social media and gaming addiction.
Mr Collins said the committee will also consider how individuals’ online data are used by immersive technologies and what security is offered.
MPs have called for evidence from the public, businesses and charities to determine future government action.
This new inquiry follows mounting pressure to protect the public from online harms caused by the overuse of gadgets and social media.
Online experts have expressed concern that heavy use of phones, tablets and PCs could have a negative impact on relationships, productivity and even mental health.
Ofcom data collated by The Daily Telegraph showed that young people aged 16 to 24 are so addicted to their smartphones that they spend more than seven hours a day online.
Ofcom chief executive Sharon White said she was bringing together regulators to tackle the behaviour of online players next year, and is likely to take action against illegal sexual content including child abuse.
Meanwhile, gaming addiction can be treated on the NHS after the World Health Organisation classified it as a medical disorder.
Earlier this year a 15-year-old boy was diagnosed with internet gaming addiction in what was believed to be the first case of its kind in the UK.
