Editorial: Navigating Ethics in the Metaverse

Mixed reality is evolving into the next era of personal computing, where 3D environments are collectively shaping a meta universe of virtual or mixed reality realms—the “Metaverse.” The term combines “meta,” a Greek word meaning “after,” “beyond,” or “transcending,” with “verse,” which signifies “universe.” Initially introduced by Neal Stephenson in his science fiction novel Stephenson (1992), this concept can be traced back to Gibson (1984). While Gibson depicts a darker reality, Stephenson imagined an online universe closely mirroring reality, where users could employ avatars to escape real-world challenges.

With the advent of technologies like VR, AR, and MxR, the Metaverse moves beyond the realm of fiction. Virtual platforms now exist, providing new avenues for connection and engagement in digital spaces. They are becoming increasingly significant in how we socialize and conduct business. The Metaverse holds promise as a versatile platform for work, education, gaming, and more, potentially incorporating virtual environments alongside augmented reality. It may blend elements of the real world with live, dynamic, and interactive digital content for users (Smith, 2016). Mixed reality in the Metaverse offers possibilities for merging digital and analog interactions, fostering new opportunities for learning, socialization, and economic activities, but also presents distinct challenges.

This Research Topic delves into various concepts related to the Metaverse and the ethical considerations it entails. Ethical dilemmas arise as the physical world becomes an interface, transforming reality into something increasingly machine-readable, searchable, and personalized. By using mixed reality devices, individuals may inadvertently generate detailed 3D models of their surroundings, capturing an array of real-world content, which could include both personal and shared experiences. For instance, many smartphones now utilize lidar technology to create 3D point clouds of environments or objects (Demir, 2021). While depth sensors are being integrated into various devices, frameworks to safeguard personal images and belongings are still inadequately established, alongside strategies to mitigate bias against individuals or groups informed by data collected from their visual surroundings.

This wealth of information can enhance user experiences, yet the integration of technologies with machine learning might pave multiple paths for manipulation and targeted advertising (Bard, 2020). By analyzing large datasets on where numerous people are gazing, along with their facial expressions and movements, ethical concerns emerge, particularly regarding the development of models that predict user reactions at both mass and individual levels, potentially utilized for targeted marketing and political influence. How can we protect our privacy, security, autonomy, and freedoms in the context of mixed reality experiences? What ethical design strategies can be developed for an inclusive Metaverse to address these challenges?

The selected contributions examine several angles of these ethical dilemmas:

Smith et al.1 present an ethical design framework called the Shared Consent Framework (SCF), focusing on the design and utilization of Metaverse technologies with human wellbeing at the forefront. The paper begins with a comprehensive definition of the Metaverse and evaluates consent-related challenges within it, addressing the need for equitable use of data. It highlights specific consent issues, such as unauthorized surveillance, and advocates for ethical and moral standards in large platforms. A unique five-stage SCF is introduced to address the limitations of existing consent models, alongside protocols for implementing this framework.

Rasool examines the risks associated with the emergence and integration of AI, Metaverse, and Blockchain technologies as they continue to evolve. One concern is that greater reliance on these technologies might lead humans to relinquish their problem-solving abilities to artificial intelligence. To counter cognitive decline in an age when machines grow increasingly intelligent, the authors advocate for new methodologies within Industry 5.0, also referred to as the Fifth Industrial Revolution (5IR), aiming to harmonize human and machine intelligence. They propose that future coaching practices should incorporate 5IR mindsets, techniques, and technologies, and review emerging regulations, including the EU AI Act, introducing an innovative approach termed “Coaching 5.0.”

Raja and Al-Baghli analyze the intersection of ethics with the responsible employment of VR technologies. Their definition encompasses what many companies and developers term the “metaverse,” a simulated reality where users can conduct business (Metz, 2021). The paper explores ethical concerns surrounding VR use, such as consent, privacy, and the potential for harm. Through literature reviews, government document assessments, and an analysis of 300 Amazon reviews for leading VR products, they identify key ethical issues from various perspectives. Three guiding frameworks are examined for promoting responsible VR use: 1) Institutional Review Board (IRB) standards, 2) a care ethics framework, and 3) jointly created ethical codes. The research aims to synthesize these frameworks into a novel ethical synthesis framework (ESF) for responsible VR engagement.

Peña-Acuña and Rubio-Alcalá highlight the increasing integration of immersive technologies (IM) in education and the challenges posed by a lack of familiarity and necessary knowledge for their effective application (Jamaludin et al., 2020; Costan et al., 2021; González and Valencia, 2022). Utilizing a snowball documentary methodology, they delve into the ethical implications of incorporating advanced IM in educational contexts, recognizing both advantages and ethical concerns tied to access, protection, privacy, and design. A key insight reveals that while the Metaverse centers around identity protection, concerns surrounding IM’s ethical application in education are more pronounced. This research captures the complexities and intricate challenges posed by different IM technologies compared to those in the broader Metaverse.

Collectively, these contributions delve into ethical issues surrounding AI and immersive media (e.g., VR, AR, and MxR) employing a variety of methodologies (e.g., literature reviews, white paper analyses, empirical studies) and perspectives (e.g., legal, user-centered, educational). They devise frameworks and propose responsible strategies to mitigate risks and safeguard privacy and consent in the Metaverse. The submissions clarify that our current systems and practices are insufficiently equipped to address the challenges posed by immersive media. Only through the insights gathered within this Research Topic can we work toward more ethical and responsible uses of such advanced technologies.

As educators, we face a significant challenge in helping individuals comprehend how these technologies can simultaneously empower and hinder progress. The ethical issues present in web-based contexts are already complicated for users, and our findings illustrate that many of these challenges are amplified in the Metaverse. While Metaverse applications continue to evolve, ethical questions persist, and user education regarding their impact on privacy, security, and well-being is crucial—though traditional educational and media systems struggle to keep pace with rapid advancements.

Looking ahead, there are numerous critical ethical issues touched upon in these contributions that warrant further investigation, particularly those linked to leveraging technology positively. For instance, the Metaverse has the potential to empower individuals from marginalized groups and those facing vulnerable circumstances in ways that remain underexplored, such as through co-creation initiatives and the development of supportive platforms for community engagement. We strongly encourage further research in these areas.