Immersive technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and Virtual reality (VR) take fun and excitement to an entirely new level.
They use computer technology to simulate the real world, so intense that an individual can actually become addicted to them.
Thus, over reliance on virtual action greatly inhibits ones social skill leading to isolation and negatively affects emotional intelligence.
Realism is a concept used in extended reality. It is essentially about making the user have an experience similar to what they would feel in the real world. It encompasses the virtual, auditory, and olfactory aspects the metaverse is able to simulate. In order to enable the digital world resemble the real world, modern AL algorithms are used. This results in a virtual world that looks real to users, thereby providing a higher level of immersion.
Immersive technologies can potentially cause disorientation between virtual and physical reality, with users preferring the virtual world over the real world.
As such, this poses the question of whether these alternative realities are not detrimental to one’s mental well being. The most affected are the most vulnerable population of children and adolescents.
Man is a social being. Human interaction is essential for balance. When used excessively, users find that it has negative consequences on communication and other social dynamics.
Ethics to Consider When Using Immersive Technology
It is important for the virtual creator to consider the following ethics in order to avoid the above negative social and cultural implications of immersive technologies.
1. Accountability
It is the responsibility of the virtual developer to be answerable for their product. Health concerns like eye strain, dizziness and such like experienced by some VR users should not be overlooked.
Their creation is their brand and as with every brand, customer experience should not be taken for granted because it will encourage or otherwise discourage consumer satisfaction. A dissatisfied customer is unlikely to make a repeat purchase.
2. Normative considerations
Normative ethics will prevent the 3D artist from creating a metaverse that will be morally considered inappropriate.
In fact anything which is known to be morally wrong in the real world should not be found in the virtual reality space.
3. Digital rights
Property digital rights enable all participants manage and protect their digital assets and intellectual property.
Individuals are free to determine who they want to have access to their assets for a fee. It is considered a new revenue stream offered by the digital world.
4. Authenticity of information
The ability of augmented reality to distort ones perception of reality and present misleading information shows how this technology can be used for deceptive purposes.
In 2019 for example, snapchat introduced a filter which enables users appear as the opposite gender. Prolonged exposure to such misleading reality has the potential to make users experience dissociation from reality.
Furthermore, blurred line immersive technologies creates and raises ethical concerns about how such technologies can be used for shoddy purposes.
5. Privacy
VR and AR systems require a lot of personal information before they can overlay a 3 dimensional model onto a real life figure like a human or an object.
Personal information include what you look like, facial expression and other biometric information. In storing data, anonymisation should be used.
Also, users must be informed about what personal information is being collected and how they are put to use.
Final thoughts
Immersive technologies have immense potential. They have been used for simulated training in the military and the treatment of Phobia and anxiety disorders in the medical field.
Just as in the real world, where rules govern people’s behavior, enforcing these ethics will prevent the future collapse of the virtual world.
Read Also: Digital Dream: How Virtual Reality Is Redefining Entertainment
