A Survey on the Social Application Dilemmas of Virtual Digital Humans from the Perspective of Digital Ethics

Authors

  • Zixuan Huang Beijing City University Author
  • Ruimin Wang Beijing City University Author
  • Wenxuan Jing Beijing City University Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.71204/v4sygw05

Keywords:

Digital Human, Digital Ethics, Classification of Social Applications, Public Cognition, Supervision Suggestions

Abstract

Advances in artificial intelligence and virtual-physical integration have enabled widespread adoption of digital human technology across media, finance, healthcare, and entertainment sectors. Based on their service characteristics, social applications of digital humans fall into three categories: service-oriented, companion-oriented, and assistant-oriented. Growing intelligence, broader accessibility, expanding scenarios, and extending boundaries bring urgent ethical challenges. This study employs questionnaires and interviews to examine public understanding of digital ethics, technology adoption, social impact, and future outlook across all age groups and professions. The research identifies key issues in cognition, application, social impact, and legal regulation. Four directions emerge: fostering rational technological ethics, clarifying social and corporate responsibilities, strengthening government oversight to alleviate public anxiety, and improving laws for multi-party governance. These findings offer guidance for healthy industry development and ethical governance.

References

Chen, S. (2025). Development status and risk countermeasure analysis of virtual digital humans. Radio & TV Network, 32(06), 34-38.

Li, N. (2022). Research on companion virtual digital humans based on media scene theory. Master's thesis, Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts.

Liu, L. L., Wu, S. S. (2025). Dissolution and regression: Reflections on human subjectivity in the era of artificial intelligence. Journal of Hubei University of Economics (Humanities and Social Sciences), 1-9.

Research Group of the Political and Legal Affairs Commission of the CPC Shenzhen Municipal Committee. (2025). Research on artificial intelligence risk governance in the social field. Practice and Theory of Special Economic Zones, (04), 45-51.

Shao, X. D., Li, Q. Q., Zhao, X. S. (2026). Legal dilemma and solution path of AI-generated digital heritage form: Based on the integrated analysis of digital personality right, intellectual property right and property right. Journal of Shenyang Normal University (Social Science Edition), 50(02), 49-57.

Wang, Q., Hu, R. J. (2025). Establishing a compliance mechanism for digital humans from the perspective of the whole industry. Legal Person, (11), 48-50.

Wu, F. T., Xia, Z. W., Gao, S. R. (2025). Reshaping smart learning environment with generative artificial intelligence: From element improvement to ecological reconstruction. E-education Research, 46(01), 54-63.

Ye, J. M., Yin, X. H., Yu, S., Liu, Q. T., Luo, S. (2025). Generative AI empowered learning analytics: Value connotation, practical framework and development direction. E-education Research, 46(01), 86-92.

Zhao, J. H. (2024). Educational transformation and reshaping in the era of artificial intelligence. E-education Research, 45(12), 37-43+97.

Zhao, W. (2025). Judicial challenges and rule reconstruction of AI face swapping: Research on the boundary of fair use of portrait rights in short drama. New Media and Society, 1-13.

Downloads

Published

2026-05-09

How to Cite

A Survey on the Social Application Dilemmas of Virtual Digital Humans from the Perspective of Digital Ethics. (2026). The Development of Humanities and Social Sciences, 2(2), 103-121. https://doi.org/10.71204/v4sygw05

Similar Articles

21-30 of 41

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.