The physical and mental health risks and ethical governance pathways in virtual reality technology： an exploration from a multidimensional perspective

With the rapid development of Virtual Reality (VR) technology, its widespread applications in entertainment, education, healthcare, and other fields have brought significant innovations and conveniences to society. However, as the technology becomes more prevalent, ethical risks related to physical and mental health have also become increasingly evident, particularly in the context of prolonged use and high-immersion experiences. This paper constructs a multi-dimensional ethical risk framework for VR technology, addressing risks at the personal level (physical and mental health risks), the individual-social interaction level (social indifference and lack of virtual community responsibility), and the societal-institutional level (privacy protection and intellectual property issues). Based on these risks, this paper proposes a systematic approach to ethical governance, including a multi-stakeholder collaborative governance model, ethical awareness enhancement through education and empowerment, and the mutual promotion of technological innovation and ethical constraints. By fostering continuous collaboration among government, tech companies, psychological research institutions, and educational departments, and incorporating user feedback and participation, the paper advocates for the construction of an open, transparent, and inclusive human-centered technological ecosystem. Ultimately, this approach aims to ensure the sustainable development of VR technology while balancing individual and societal well-being.

Key Words: virtual reality; ethical risks; technological governance; personal well-being; collaborative governance