user well-being

An experiment by Professor Marcus Carter's team found that children quickly converted gift cards into Robux on Roblox, raising concerns about the platform's monetization strategies, which include deceptive practices in 14 of the top 15 games. Tactics like "near miss" visuals and countdown timers encourage spending, while many children reported being scammed through item swaps and gem-doubling schemes. Complaints to the Federal Trade Commission from organizations like Fairplay and the National Centre on Sexual Exploitation highlight how Roblox's design exploits children's developmental vulnerabilities, particularly impulse control. One case involved a 10-year-old girl who spent over ,000 in two months despite parental attempts to limit purchases. Critics argue that Roblox prioritizes profit over user well-being, with features designed to maximize engagement rather than genuine enjoyment. Experts advocate for legislative changes to address these issues, warning that without intervention, Roblox will continue to exploit young users.