What it’s like to be a _____: why it’s (often) unethical to use VR as an empathy nudging tool

In this article, we apply the literature on ethics of choice-architecture (nudges) to realm virtual reality (VR) point out ethical problems with using VR for empathy-based nudging. Specifically, argue that simulations aiming enhance empathic understanding others via perspective-taking will almost always be unethical develop or deploy. We VR-based empathy enhancement not only faces traditional concerns about nudges (autonomy, welfare, transparency), but also a variant semantic variance problem arises intersectional perspective-taking. deceive and manipulate their users experiences. Despite often laudable goals, such confront significant challenges. light these goals challenges, propose designers shift from designing aimed at producing generating sympathy targets. These simulations, claim, can avoid most serious issues associated nudges, variance, intersectionality.