Don Heider is executive director of the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University. Views are his own.
Dignity often describes the idea that every human has inherent worth and deserves to be treated with respect simply because they are human, despite their circumstances.
In virtual worlds, we do not see humans, we see instead most often avatars. Some of those avatars might represent some form of AI-driven bot, but in most cases, there is a human operating the avatar. So the question arises; how can we best demonstrate dignity for the humans behind these avatars?
There are instances where people behave differently in online settings than they might if we were with them face-to-face. This idea is described by psychologists as dissociative behavior, where I choose to see my avatar not as a reflection of myself. I disassociate from that creation on my screen. Or I create a pseudonym for my real name for posting on websites and social media. This can lead to bad behavior; harassment, acting out, bullying; with many unfortunate consequences. I believe, however, in virtual worlds, how we choose to let our avatar treat other avatars is very much a question of human dignity.
The way we behave in any online environment should be reflective of who we are as humans and what we believe and what we value.
I have studied human behavior and social interactions in virtual worlds for over two decades. I have written a suggested code of ethics for virtual worlds. My endorsement here for all people is that we fully express our humanity in all formats where we communicate. This may come in how we behave or in what we communicate. This would include texting, email, online posts, in video games, or in virtual worlds.
One of the wonderful aspects of virtual worlds is they give us the opportunity to encounter and interact with people from around the globe who we might never get the chance to meet or talk with. There is great value in these encounters in that we may get the chance to learn people’s diverse views of the world. We might get a glimpse of their hopes, their dreams, their senses of humor, and more.
But this only works if we approach others with a sense of openness and a true sense that we try to see value in others, no matter their difference, geographically or otherwise. In these cases we also often must be tolerant of language differences, though translators can help.
Virtual worlds, because they are a step removed from lived reality, offer opportunities to act and experience settings that are fantastical, such as racing cars, flying spaceships, riding a dragon, or magically teleporting from one location to another. In a game or virtual world, it might be entertaining to have a sword fight or boxing match with another avatar. The consequences in a virtual world obviously do no physical harm to our real bodies. But in virtual worlds there is tremendous potential for psychological or emotional harm.
But it can also provide opportunities for bad behavior and potential harm to people. Several studies have shown that in virtual worlds, people can become very close and form strong emotional bonds. This also means they are places where deceit, emotional manipulation, and cruel behavior can take place. This can range from harassment to more hurtful interactions. Although you can not be harmed physically, the emotional damage can be real and lasting. In 1993, Author Julian Dibbell documented the case of a virtual rape in a text-based MUD (Multi-user dungeon), which revealed to people not involved in online communities a now infamous case of bad behavior and emotional harm. Scholars have argued that harm in online communities must be taken seriously due to the real-life actions and attachments involved.
Norms of acceptable behavior in virtual worlds mirror those of the real world, perpetuating existing power dynamics and marginalization. Groups most vulnerable in real life—such as women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and BIPOC communities—experience disproportionate harassment, hate, and cyber-victimization online. #Gamergate exemplified the misogyny faced by women in gaming, while studies show that coping strategies like anonymity are often necessary for female gamers to mitigate abuse. Racial hate and discrimination persist in gaming environments and virtual worlds, further exposing marginalized groups to harm.
The creation of multiple accounts and the ability to mask one’s identity can also lead to cases where people can be deceptive and even manipulative of unsuspecting participants. Because the makers of these platforms want users to enjoy wide freedom, many abuses may go unchecked.
Given the tech platform companies' reluctance to reign in bad behavior, each individual has to think about how they behave in these environments and whether they value human dignity and will behave in a manner that upholds this value.
A set of basic principals may help us in honoring human dignity in online environments:
- Always approach others with respect and dignity. While avatars on the screen may take various forms, remember that each represents a real person with their own inherent value. Individuals are not tools to serve a purpose; they deserve to be acknowledged and treated as the unique and valuable human beings they are.
- In virtual spaces, individuals often adopt different roles or identities for gaming, roleplay, or personal expression. While your choices are your own, it’s important to be transparent with others if you’re playing a role. Honesty fosters trust, and we strongly discourage any form of deception, whether intentional or misleading.
- Avoid any actions in the virtual world that you know or suspect could harm others. Strive to consider the potential impact of your decisions on individuals and groups, and take thoughtful steps to reduce harm wherever possible. Always aim to contribute positively and promote the well-being of the community.
- In a virtual world, ensure your actions and words consistently reflect care and consideration for others. Genuine care is built on relationships and active listening. Are you demonstrating empathy? Do you value and respect the interests, feelings, and perspectives of those around you? Let your interactions embody understanding and compassion.
- Do not condone or enable harmful behavior. If you encounter abuse or harassment, take a stand—speak up, report it, and refuse to stay silent. Reflect on your actions and words: Do they align with the person you strive to be? Are you acting in a way that upholds your best self? Consider whether your efforts foster mutual respect and demonstrate care for the collective well-being of the community.
- Embrace cultural differences with an open mind and a receptive heart, recognizing the beauty and richness they bring to our world. Each culture reflects unique traditions, perspectives, and values that enhance our shared human experience. Show respect and appreciation for the heritage, beliefs, and ideas of others, even when they differ from your own. Take the time to listen, learn, and engage in meaningful dialogue, fostering connections that promote empathy and understanding. By valuing the diversity around us, we contribute to creating a more inclusive and harmonious community, where mutual respect becomes the foundation for growth and collaboration. Always strive to see the world through others' eyes, seeking common ground while celebrating what makes each culture distinct. Let your actions reflect a commitment to building bridges across cultural divides, strengthening the bonds that unite us all.
- Respect the privacy and personal boundaries of others in the virtual world by refraining from collecting, sharing, or disseminating their information without explicit consent. Every individual has the right to control their own data and decide what they wish to share. Before taking any action, reflect on whether you have honored their autonomy and safeguarded their right to keep certain details private. Consider the consequences of sharing information, even with good intentions, and avoid actions that might jeopardize someone's safety or violate their wishes.
You can find a version of these principles on this webpage dedicated to Ethics in the Metaverse.
Dignity in virtual worlds is about recognizing the inherent worth of every individual, regardless of their avatar, role, or identity. Behind every digital presence is a real person with emotions, perspectives, and values. Upholding dignity means treating others with respect, fostering inclusive interactions, and promoting fair treatment in virtual spaces. It requires acknowledging the impact of words and actions on others, even in a digital context, and ensuring that virtual environments remain safe and welcoming for all. By prioritizing empathy, mutual respect, and ethical behavior, we can build virtual communities that reflect the best of humanity and honor everyone's dignity.
