Cited by 168Virtual Reality Applications and ImpactsEthics and Social Impacts of AINeuroethics, Human Enhancement, Biomedical Innovations

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

Spiegel, James S.·2018·Science and Engineering Ethics

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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Crossref · 10.1007/s11948-017-9979-y

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45 of 45 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

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Authors
Spiegel, J. S.
Affiliations
Taylor University (US)
Corresponding author
Spiegel, James S.
Venue
Science and Engineering Ethics
Published
2017-09-23
Volume
24
Issue
5
Pages
1537-1550
ISSN
  • 1353-3452 (ISSN-L)
  • 1471-5546
OpenAlex
W2758075370
Cited by
168
References
45
Citations by year
2026: 10 · 2025: 27 · 2024: 22 · 2023: 18 · 2022: 24 · 2021: 28 · 2020: 8 · 2019: 26 · 2018: 5
FWCI
13.19
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Science and Engineering Ethics (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
Sells Group
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Human-Computer Interaction › Virtual Reality Applications and Impacts
  • Social Sciences › Safety Research › Ethics and Social Impacts of AI
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Neuroethics, Human Enhancement, Biomedical Innovations
Keywords
virtual reality, ethics of technology, mental health risk, depersonalization disorder, privacy, public policy, legal regulation, individual liberty, autonomy
MeSH terms
Virtual Reality, Mental Disorders, Culture, Depersonalization, Emotions, Freedom, Humans, Illusions, Mental Health, Morals, Public Policy, Risk, Social Control, Formal, Technology, Health Behavior, Privacy, Personal Autonomy, Bioethical Issues

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