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

在本文中，我们将有关选择架构伦理（微调）的文献应用于虚拟现实（VR）领域，以指出使用VR进行基于共情的轻推的伦理问题。具体来说，我们认为旨在通过透视获取对他人的同理心理解的VR模拟几乎总是不道德或不合理的。我们认为基于VR的移情增强不仅面临传统的关于轻推的伦理问题（自治，福利，透明），而且还存在因交叉取景而引起的语义方差问题的变体。VR移情模拟会欺骗并操纵用户的体验。尽管它们的目标通常值得称赞，但这些模拟仍面临重大的道德挑战。鉴于这些目标和挑战，我们建议VR设计师从旨在产生共情眼光的模拟设计过渡到旨在为其目标产生同情的模拟设计。我们声称，这些模拟可以避免与VR微调，语义差异和交叉性相关的最严重的道德问题。