Investigating Harassment and Safety in VR: Users' Perspectives

Grunnleggende konsepter

The author explores the challenges faced by VR users in employing safety controls and highlights the ineffectiveness of current methods in addressing harassment. The study emphasizes the need for technical and legal guidelines to enhance user safety in virtual environments.

Sammendrag

The study investigates the usability and effectiveness of safety controls in VR applications, highlighting users' perceptions and challenges faced. Participants express concerns about reporting mechanisms, suggesting improvements like live moderation, behavior tracking, and in-app interventions to enhance user safety.

Users face difficulties finding harassers in crowded virtual spaces.
Safety controls are ineffective at eliminating harassers' presence.
Users find submitting evidence for reports time-consuming.
Developers cite obstacles like technological limitations and high costs.
Recommendations include live moderation and behavior tracking across VR apps.

Statistikk

"An abusive incident estimated to occur every seven minutes."
"Challenges VR users face while employing safety controls."
"Improvements desired by users include live moderation."
"Developers cite technological, financial, and legal obstacles."

Sitater

"VR presents novel affordances but also lowers the bar for unwanted behavior."
"Harassment incidents leave a significant psychological impact on participants."
"Participants found muting to be the most effective safety control."

Viktige innsikter hentet fra

Enabling Developers, Protecting Users

by Abhinaya S.B... klokken arxiv.org 03-11-2024

https://arxiv.org/pdf/2403.05499.pdf

Dypere Spørsmål

How can platforms ensure consistent enforcement of safety measures across different VR apps?

To ensure consistent enforcement of safety measures across different VR apps, platforms can implement standardized guidelines and protocols for developers to follow. This could involve creating a set of universal safety controls that all VR apps must incorporate, ensuring that users have access to similar tools regardless of the app they are using. Platforms can also provide training and resources to developers on how to effectively implement these safety measures in their apps. Additionally, platforms can establish reporting mechanisms that are uniform across all apps, making it easier for users to report incidents of harassment or abuse consistently.

What ethical considerations should be taken into account when implementing behavior tracking features?

When implementing behavior tracking features in VR technology, several ethical considerations need to be taken into account. Firstly, user privacy and data protection should be a top priority. Platforms must ensure that any data collected through behavior tracking is handled securely and transparently, with clear consent from the users involved. Additionally, there should be safeguards in place to prevent misuse of this data for purposes other than enhancing user safety.
Furthermore, bias and discrimination issues may arise if behavior tracking is not implemented carefully. Developers must consider how algorithms interpret user behavior and ensure that they do not unfairly target certain groups or individuals based on subjective criteria.
Lastly, there should be mechanisms in place for users to opt-out of behavior tracking if they so choose, respecting their autonomy and right to control their personal information.

How can virtual reality technology be leveraged to promote inclusivity and prevent online harassment?

Virtual reality technology has the potential to promote inclusivity by creating immersive environments where individuals from diverse backgrounds feel safe and respected. One way this can be achieved is by offering customizable avatars that allow users to represent themselves authentically without fear of judgment or discrimination based on physical appearance.
Additionally, VR platforms can facilitate community-building activities that foster positive interactions among users. By organizing events focused on education, cultural exchange, or shared interests within virtual spaces, platforms can encourage empathy and understanding among participants.
To prevent online harassment in VR settings specifically designed for social interaction (such as social VR applications), robust moderation systems should be put in place. This includes real-time monitoring by moderators who intervene when inappropriate behaviors occur and swift action against offenders through temporary bans or permanent removal from the platform if necessary.