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How VR and AI could help the next generation grow kinder and more connected
VR and AI: Technology can aid in developing empathy in children, particularly through virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI). These tools can simulate emotional experiences and enhance social-emotional learning, fostering emotional connections and understanding among young learners.
How VR and AI could help the next generation grow kinder and more connected
Ekaterina Muravevskaia, Indiana University
Empathy is not just a “nice-to-have” soft skill – it is a foundation of how children and adults regulate emotions, build friendships and learn from one another.
Between the ages of 6 and 9, children begin shifting from being self-centered to noticing the emotions and perspectives of others. This makes early childhood one of the most important periods for developing empathy and other social-emotional skills.
Traditionally, pretend play has been a natural way to practice empathy. Many adults can remember acting out scenes as doctor and patient, or using sticks and leaves as imaginary currency. Those playful moments were not just entertainment – they were early lessons in empathy and taking someone else’s perspective.
But as children spend more time with technology and less in pretend play, these opportunities are shrinking. Some educators worry that technology is hindering social-emotional learning. Yet research in affective computing – digital systems that recognize emotions, simulate them or both – suggests that technology can also become part of the solution.
Virtual reality, in particular, can create immersive environments where children interact with characters who display emotions as vividly as real humans. I’m a human-computer interaction scientist who studies social-emotional learning in the context of how people use technology. Used thoughtfully, the combination of VR and artificial intelligence could help reshape social-emotional learning practices and serve as a new kind of “empathy classroom” or “emotional regulation simulator.”
Game of emotions
As a part of my doctoral studies at the University of Florida, in 2017 I began developing a VR Empathy Game framework that combines insights from developmental psychology, affective computing and participatory design with children. At the Human-Computer Interaction Lab at the University of Maryland, I worked with their KidsTeam program, where children of 7-11 served as design partners, helping us to imagine what an empathy-focused VR game should feel like.
In 2018, 15 master’s students at the Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy at the University of Central Florida and I created the first game prototype, Why Did Baba Yaga Take My Brother? This game is based on a Russian folktale and introduces four characters, each representing a core emotion: Baba Yaga embodies anger, Goose represents fear, the Older Sister shows happiness and the Younger Sister expresses sadness. https://www.youtube.com/embed/c6gMdx9zDFA?wmode=transparent&start=0 The VR game Why Did Baba Yaga Take My Brother? is designed to help kids develop empathy.
Unlike most games, it does not reward players with points or badges. Instead, children can progress in the game only by getting to know the characters, listening to their stories and practicing empathic actions. For example, they can look at the game’s world through a character’s glasses, revisit their memories or even hug Baba Yaga to comfort her. This design choice reflects a core idea of social-emotional learning: Empathy is not about external rewards but about pausing, reflecting and responding to the needs of others.
My colleagues and I have been refining the game since then and using it to study children and empathy.
Different paths to empathy
We tested the game with elementary school children individually. After asking general questions and giving an empathy survey, we invited children to play the game. We observed their behavior while they were playing and discussed their experience afterward.
Our most important discovery was that children interacted with the VR characters following the main empathic patterns humans usually follow while interacting with each other. Some children displayed cognitive empathy, meaning they had an understanding of the characters’ emotional states. They listened thoughtfully to characters, tapped their shoulders to get their attention, and attempted to help them. At the same time, they were not completely absorbed in the VR characters’ feelings.
Others expressed emotional contagion, directly mirroring characters’ emotions, sometimes becoming so distressed by fear or sadness that it made them stop the game. In addition, a few other children did not connect with the characters at all, focusing mainly on exploring the virtual environment. All three behaviors can happen in real life as well when children interact with their peers.
These findings highlight both the promise and the challenge. VR can indeed evoke powerful empathic responses, but it also raises questions about how to design experiences that support children with different temperaments – some need more stimulation, and others need gentler pacing.
AI eye on emotions
The current big question for us is how to effectively incorporate this type of empathy game into everyday life. In classrooms, VR will not replace real conversations or traditional role-play, but it can enrich them. A teacher might use a short VR scenario to spark discussion, encouraging students to reflect on what they felt and how it connects to their real friendships. In this way, VR becomes a springboard for dialogue, not a stand-alone tool.
We are also exploring adaptive VR systems that respond to a child’s emotional state in real time. A headset might detect if a child is anxious or scared – through facial expressions, heart rate or gaze – and adjust the experience by scaling down the characters’ expressiveness or offering supportive prompts. Such a responsive “empathy classroom” could give children safe opportunities to gradually strengthen their emotional regulation skills.
This is where AI becomes essential. AI systems can make sense of the data collected by VR headsets such as eye gaze, facial expressions, heart rate or body movement and use it to adjust the experience in real time. For example, if a child looks anxious or avoids eye contact with a sad character, the AI could gently slow down the story, provide encouraging prompts or reduce the emotional intensity of the scene. On the other hand, if the child appears calm and engaged, the AI might introduce a more complex scenario to deepen their learning.
In our current research, we are investigating how AI can measure empathy itself – tracking moment-to-moment emotional responses during gameplay to provide educators with better insight into how empathy develops.
Future work and collaboration
As promising as I believe this work is, it raises big questions. Should VR characters express emotions at full intensity, or should we tone them down for sensitive children? If children treat VR characters as real, how do we make sure those lessons carry to the playground or dinner table? And with headsets still costly, how do we ensure empathy technology doesn’t widen digital divides?
These are not just research puzzles but ethical responsibilities. This vision requires collaboration among educators, researchers, designers, parents and children themselves. Computer scientists design the technology, psychologists ensure the experiences are emotionally healthy, teachers adapt them for curriculum, and children co-create the games to make them engaging and meaningful.
Together, we can shape technologies that not only entertain but also nurture empathy, emotional regulation and deeper connection in the next generation.
Ekaterina Muravevskaia, Assistant Professor of Human-Centered Computing, Indiana University
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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STM Blog
What is Nude Recreation Week?
Nude Recreation Week is a real event that promotes the idea of enjoying the outdoors without clothing.
Nude Recreation Week is a real event that promotes the idea of enjoying the outdoors without clothing. It is a week-long celebration of the human body and its natural state. The history of Nude Recreation Week is a fascinating one, with its origins dating back to the early 1970s.
The idea of Nude Recreation Week came from a group of naturists who wanted to promote the benefits of nudity in the outdoors. They believed that nudity was a natural and healthy way to enjoy the outdoors, and that it allowed people to connect with nature in a more meaningful way. The first Nude Recreation Week was held in 1976, and it has been celebrated every year since then.
There are many ways to celebrate Nude Recreation Week legally. Many naturist organizations offer events and activities that are open to the public, such as nude hikes, beach cleanups, and other outdoor activities. There are also many private resorts and campsites that cater to naturists, and they offer a variety of activities and amenities for those who want to enjoy the outdoors in the nude.
Nude Recreation Week – July 6–12
Nude Recreation Week celebrates naturism, body positivity, and the freedom to enjoy outdoor activities in a clothing-free environment. Observed at nudist resorts, beaches, and private spaces, it encourages self-acceptance and connection with nature. The week culminates in International Skinny Dip Day. Learn more about the history and celebration: National Today, National Day Calendar, American Association for Nude Recreation.
The opinions about Nude Recreation Week are divided. Some people believe that it is a healthy and natural way to enjoy the outdoors, and that it promotes body positivity and self-confidence. Others believe that it is inappropriate and offensive, and that it should not be allowed in public spaces.
On one hand, some people argue that nudity is a natural state for humans and that it should be celebrated. They believe that nudity is not inherently sexual or offensive, and that it is a healthy way to connect with nature and with other people. They also argue that nudity promotes body positivity and self-confidence, and that it can help people overcome body shame and negative self-image.
On the other hand, some people argue that nudity is inappropriate and offensive, especially in public spaces. They believe that nudity is a private matter and that it should not be displayed in public. They also argue that nudity can be sexualized and that it can lead to inappropriate behavior and harassment.
In conclusion, Nude Recreation Week is a real event that promotes the idea of enjoying the outdoors without clothing. It has a fascinating history, and it is celebrated by many people around the world. While opinions about nudity are divided, it is clear that there are many ways to celebrate Nude Recreation Week legally, and that it is a healthy and natural way to enjoy the outdoors.
https://nationaltoday.com/nude-recreation-week/
National Nude Day – July
National Nude Day celebrates body positivity, personal freedom, and self-acceptance—not sex. Observed by nudist and naturist communities, the day encourages people to embrace their natural form and challenge societal body shaming. Participants may visit naturist beaches or resorts or enjoy private time at home to connect with their body and nature. Learn more about the celebration and its history here: National Day Calendar, National Today, The Guardian on Naturism.
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Consumer Corner
Lowe’s Is Calling on Creators to Help Design—and Launch—New Products
Lowe’s announced Creator: Into the Blue, a new program letting creators pitch product ideas and work with Lowe’s teams to develop and potentially launch items in retail. Applications are open through Sept. 1, 2026.
Lowe’s is taking its creator strategy beyond sponsored posts and curated storefronts. On June 23, 2026, the home improvement retailer announced Lowe’s Creator: Into the Blue, a new program that invites creators to pitch product ideas and, if selected, work with Lowe’s teams to develop and potentially bring those products to retail shelves.
The announcement arrives as the Lowe’s Creator Network hits its one-year milestone—an initiative Lowe’s launched in 2025 and billed as the first creator network in the home improvement industry. Now, Lowe’s says it’s expanding the pathway for creators: from making content about products to creating products themselves.
From content to creation: what “Creator: Into the Blue” is
Lowe’s Creator: Into the Blue is designed as a forum for creators—both current members of the Lowe’s Creator Network and newcomers—to submit innovative product concepts for consideration. Selected creators could receive support from Lowe’s internal teams across product development, product design, sourcing, and merchandising, with the goal of turning audience-inspired ideas into real-world items that can scale.
In other words: creators aren’t just being asked to promote what already exists. They’re being invited to help shape what comes next.
How this fits into Lowe’s bigger strategy
Lowe’s positioned the new program as a natural next step that builds on two existing pillars:
- Lowe’s Creator Network (launched 2025): A program connecting creators with Lowe’s to share DIY projects, home improvement inspiration, and product recommendations. It also includes personalized Lowes.com storefronts so creators can curate product selections for their audiences.
- Lowe’s Into the Blue (launched 2022): A separate initiative focused on helping entrepreneurs bring innovative products to Lowe’s customers.
Now, Lowe’s is essentially merging the momentum of both worlds—creator-led influence and entrepreneur-led product innovation—into a single on-ramp for creators who want to build businesses through product development.
MrBeast is the proof-of-concept
Lowe’s also pointed to its recent collaboration with global creator MrBeast as an example of how creator partnerships can evolve beyond content and curation. The collaboration included a collectible toy kitdeveloped with Lowe’s—showing how a creator’s audience and brand can translate into physical products that connect with customers in new ways.
That collaboration is now being used as a signal: if a creator with a massive following can co-create a product with Lowe’s, the company wants to open similar opportunities to creators of all sizes.
What creators can submit
According to Lowe’s, creators can submit a range of ideas, including:
- Existing products seeking distribution, scale, and retail exposure
- Product ideas that need development and sourcing support
- Collaborations tied to an existing Lowe’s product line
The message is clear: you don’t have to show up with a fully manufactured item. You can show up with a concept—especially one shaped by what your audience keeps asking for.
Application window and where to apply
Applications are open now through Sept. 1, 2026 at Lowes.com/CreateWithLowes. Lowe’s will review submissions after the application period and announce selected creators at a later date.
Creators interested in applying should also review the full terms and conditions on the application page.
Why this matters for the creator economy—and retail
Creator-led product lines aren’t new, but Lowe’s move is notable because it’s coming from a major home improvement retailer with deep sourcing and distribution infrastructure. If executed well, Creator: Into the Blue could become a meaningful bridge between:
- Audience-driven product demand (what communities want)
- Retail-grade execution (design, sourcing, merchandising)
- Shelf-level distribution (scale and visibility)
For creators, it’s another sign that the creator economy is maturing: the next phase isn’t only about views and engagement—it’s about IP, product development, and scalable revenue.
The bottom line
With Lowe’s Creator: Into the Blue, the company is betting that creators can do more than inspire projects—they can help design the tools, kits, and products people use to complete them. And for creators looking to turn their audience into a business, Lowe’s is offering a new route: pitch an idea, build it with support, and potentially launch it at retail scale.
For more details and application terms, visit Lowes.com/CreateWithLowes.
Related Links
- Apply / program page: https://www.lowes.com/createwithlowes
- Lowe’s main site (company + newsroom gateway): https://www.lowes.com/
- Lowe’s corporate site (investor/corporate info): https://www.lowes.com/corporate
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The Knowledge
So, Here’s the Story of Mound Bayou, Mississippi
Discover the inspiring history of Mound Bayou, Mississippi — one of America’s most successful Black-founded towns and a symbol of resilience, freedom, and progress.
Last Updated on June 9, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Did you know there was once a thriving Black-founded town in the Mississippi Delta built on the dream of freedom, self-reliance, and opportunity?
Mound Bayou
Founded in 1887 by Isaiah T. Montgomery and Benjamin T. Green, Mound Bayou, Mississippi became one of the most successful all-Black communities in American history. Established just decades after the Civil War, the town represented hope during a time when racial segregation and violence dominated much of the South.
Mound Bayou quickly grew into a center of Black business, education, healthcare, and agriculture. Residents built schools, churches, newspapers, banks, and medical facilities, proving that economic independence and community leadership could flourish despite enormous challenges.
The city even gained national attention from leaders like Booker T. Washington and President Theodore Roosevelt, who recognized Mound Bayou as a symbol of progress and determination.
During the Civil Rights era, the town also played a role in the fight for justice, particularly through the work of Dr. T.R.M. Howard following the murder of Emmett Till.
Today, Mound Bayou stands as a powerful reminder of resilience, entrepreneurship, and a chapter of American history that deserves far more recognition.
Now you know.
Here are some related article links you can include at the bottom of your STM Daily News post for further reading:
Related Articles & Further Reading
• The Official History of Mound Bayou
https://www.cityofmoundbayou.com/our-history
• Mound Bayou: The Historic Black Community in Mississippi
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mound_Bayou,_Mississippi
• The Historic Bank of Mound Bayou
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bank_of_Mound_Bayou
• The Legacy of Dr. T.R.M. Howard and Civil Rights Activism
https://www.cityofmoundbayou.com/our-history
• How Mound Bayou Became Known as “The Jewel of the Delta”
https://cityofmoundbayou.com/
• Community Discussion About Mound Bayou’s History
https://www.reddit.com/r/BlackHistoryPhotos/comments/1ta0r2e/famous_allblack_american_cities_towns_mound_bayou/
Dive into “The Knowledge,” where curiosity meets clarity. This playlist, in collaboration with STMDailyNews.com, is designed for viewers who value historical accuracy and insightful learning. Our short videos, ranging from 30 seconds to a minute and a half, make complex subjects easy to grasp in no time. Covering everything from historical events to contemporary processes and entertainment, “The Knowledge” bridges the past with the present. In a world where information is abundant yet often misused, our series aims to guide you through the noise, preserving vital knowledge and truths that shape our lives today. Perfect for curious minds eager to discover the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of everything around us. Subscribe and join in as we explore the facts that matter. https://stmdailynews.com/the-knowledge/
