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The Ethics and Ontology of Virtual Reality

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Virtual Reality (VR) allows people to step into digital worlds that feel surprisingly real. By wearing special headsets or using controllers, users can move around and interact with objects that only exist as computer code. Some find these virtual experiences exciting and full of potential. Others worry about the impact they might have on our ideas about right and wrong, as well as on our understanding of what is truly “real.” In this post, we will explore how VR challenges our sense of reality, examine moral issues that come up in virtual worlds, and consider how spending time in simulations could change our identities in everyday life.

Apple Vision Pro, a glimpse into the next generation of immersive virtual and augmented experiences.
"Introducing Apple Vision Pro: Apple’s first spatial computer", Apple, https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2023/06/introducing-apple-vision-pro/

What Counts as “Real” in Virtual Worlds?

One of the biggest questions about VR is whether experiences in these digital environments can be considered real. If someone feels scared or excited while playing a VR game, those emotions are genuine, even if the events causing them are simulated. Some people argue that, because our brains cannot always tell the difference between a digital and a physical stimulus, virtual experiences should be taken seriously. Others say that no matter how lifelike a VR world looks, it is still “fake” because it does not exist in the physical universe. Deciding how real these experiences are might affect the choices we make in virtual environments. If we treat VR actions as purely imaginary, we might feel free to behave in ways we never would in the physical world.

Acting Ethically in a Simulated Space

VR often gives users the power to do things they could not—or would not—do in real life. For example, someone might destroy objects or even attack virtual characters. If those characters are controlled by other people, does it become a moral issue? Some argue that actions in VR cannot hurt anyone physically, so there should be no moral restrictions. Others point out that real people can still experience emotional harm or distress through bullying, harassment, or abusive behavior, even if it happens in a virtual environment. Because VR worlds can feel so convincing, users may form strong connections with each other or with virtual characters, which means that harmful behavior in VR might leave lasting effects outside the simulation. This debate reminds us that responsibility does not disappear just because an action takes place in a digital space.

Identity and Virtual Reality

Another complex question is how VR might change our sense of self. In a virtual world, people can appear as anyone or anything—such as an avatar of a different gender, age, or even a fantasy creature. For some, this freedom can be empowering, providing a chance to explore new sides of themselves. For others, it can lead to confusion, especially when a person starts to feel more comfortable in a digital identity than they do in their daily life. This issue becomes even more complicated when users interact with each other, since nobody knows for sure who is really behind an avatar. These blurry lines between physical life and VR life might push us to think more deeply about what makes us who we are.

A user interacts with a futuristic augmented reality interface, blurring the lines between the digital and physical worlds.
"Why Virtual Reality is the Future of Technology and Beyond", Animost, https://animost.com/industry-updates/why-virtual-reality-is-the-future/

Conclusion

Virtual Reality has opened the door to experiences that would have been impossible just a few decades ago. From exploring distant planets to battling mythical creatures, VR offers an escape from everyday life and a chance to expand our idea of what is possible. At the same time, it poses real questions about the nature of reality, the ethics of how we treat each other in digital spaces, and the boundaries of personal identity. These concerns will become more important as VR technology improves and becomes more widely available. By thinking critically about these issues now, we can help shape a future where virtual experiences enrich our lives without blurring the lines between right and wrong—or between real and unreal—beyond recognition.

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