This online session features two presentations that explore the ethical and identity-related challenges of XR technologies. The first, Navigating eXtended Reality’s Uncertain Ethical Landscape, examines how XR can align with public values such as privacy, safety, and inclusion, focusing on avatars in social VR and their impact on identity. The second, Avatars and Meaningful, Inclusive Virtual Experiences, delves into how VR, especially in education, can be both immersive and inclusive, exploring the role of avatars in fostering meaningful and respectful interactions while addressing risks like intimidation and anti-social behavior. Together, these talks will provide key insights into developing responsible XR experiences.
Moderator: Maaike Compagnie, Hogeschool Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Navigating eXtended Reality’s Uncertain Ethical Landscape
What makes eXtended Reality technology good? How do we ensure XR technologies aligns with public values like inclusion, privacy, and safety? How can we have these complex conversations together?
XR is redefining how we interact, build identities, and navigate digital spaces—but with innovation comes responsibility. This talk navigates impact and decision-making in XR tech development, focusing on avatars in social VR and the impact of it on identity and public values. With examples and tools, we’ll discuss how to start doing responsible XR in education through play and interaction.
Presented by John Walker, SURF, The Netherlands
Avatars and meaningful and inclusive virtual experiences
Virtual Reality is increasingly used for collaborative learning in education. These immersive technologies create a sense of “being there” (presence), even when users are physically apart. However, prior research has shown that the strong immersive nature of these technologies can also amplify risks, such as intimidation and invasion of personal space. Anti-social behavior, including aggression, may arise when individuals perceive others as less human and more like robots. Therefore, we should zoom in on what defines us as humans in virtual environments: our avatars. Understanding how people perceive avatars and interact with them in a humane way is essential for designing inclusive virtual learning spaces. Especially since users can represent themselves in many ways, from customizing features like hair color, clothing, and body type to adopting entirely new identities, such as fantasy figures. This webinar presentation will delve into the role of avatars in creating meaningful and inclusive virtual experiences.
Presented by Komala Mazerant-Dubois, Hogeschool Rotterdam, The Netherlands
