From: abc@def.hij
Subject: SOC: ethics and vr?
Date: 12 Oct 1995 12:20:04 GMT
Organization: Michigan State University


Greetings,
   I am doing research on the issue of virtual reality and the ethical
issues that go with it.  I was taught by my professors that there is
considerable misuse of VR going on today.  I am curious if anyone out
there is aware of this and is willing to admit it to me. 
   The abuse was in the context of subliminal messages that perhaps were
being 'inserted' in with the other sensory information that achieves
virtual reality.  I'm not sure specifically when this abuse occurs (vr
video games, learning aids, etc) but that wasn't the concern. 
   The concern and my questions are.  1.  Are subliminal messages being
put into vr experiences?  2.  If so who would do this 3.  What are the
content of these messages 4.  Comments on the ethics that surround this
practice
   I understand that many forms of media have subliminal messages
including magazine articles and tv commercials.  We don't seem offended as
the general public at these, and because of this I can see how this
practice would (or could) be continued in a much more powerful and
effective manner through VR.  What are your thoughts? 

      Jeff Knibbe
      knibbeje@pilot.msu.edu