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The Ethics of Virtual Reality Technology: Social Hazards and Public Policy Recommendations

Science and Engineering Ethics volume 24, pages 1537–1550 (2018)Cite this article

Abstract

This article explores four major areas of moral concern regarding virtual reality (VR) technologies. First, VR poses potential mental health risks, including Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder. Second, VR technology raises serious concerns related to personal neglect of users’ own actual bodies and real physical environments. Third, VR technologies may be used to record personal data which could be deployed in ways that threaten personal privacy and present a danger related to manipulation of users’ beliefs, emotions, and behaviors. Finally, there are other moral and social risks associated with the way VR blurs the distinction between the real and illusory. These concerns regarding VR naturally raise questions about public policy. The article makes several recommendations for legal regulations of VR that together address each of the above concerns. It is argued that these regulations would not seriously threaten personal liberty but rather would protect and enhance the autonomy of VR consumers.

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Notes

  1. Specifically, in Griswold v. Connecticut (1965), Roe v. Wade (1973), and Lawrence v. Texas (2003).

  2. I want to thank an anonymous referee for posing this objection.

  3. This publication was made possible through funding by the Sells Group consulting firm. The opinions expressed here are mine and do not necessarily reflect the views of Sells Group.

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Funding was provided by Sells Group.

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  1. Taylor University, 236 West Reade Ave., Upland, IN, 46989, USA

    James S. Spiegel

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  1. James S. Spiegel
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Spiegel, J.S. The Ethics of Virtual Reality Technology: Social Hazards and Public Policy Recommendations. Sci Eng Ethics 24, 1537–1550 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11948-017-9979-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11948-017-9979-y

Keywords

  • Virtual reality
  • Technology
  • Ethics
  • Mental health
  • Privacy
  • Autonomy