Do We Need Responsible XR? Drawing on Responsible AI to Inform Ethical Research and Practice into XRAI / the Metaverse

XR devices pose unique AI risks beyond traditional AI systems: The paper argues that wearable AR glasses and XR devices create distinct vulnerabilities because they directly augment human perception in real-time, meaning AI errors or biases could immediately distort what users see and understand about their environment—a more intimate form of AI influence than most current applications.

Responsible AI frameworks alone are insufficient for XR: The authors contend that existing Responsible AI guidelines need to be adapted specifically for extended reality contexts, as the combination of AI with immersive, always-on wearable technology creates novel ethical challenges that current frameworks don't adequately address.

Mass adoption of AI-enabled AR glasses requires proactive ethical governance: The paper emphasizes that as AR glasses become mainstream consumer devices, the field needs to establish "Responsible XR" principles now, before widespread deployment makes it harder to implement safeguards—suggesting a preventive rather than reactive approach to governance.

HCI researchers have a responsibility to lead this conversation: The position paper calls on the human-computer interaction research community to take the lead in defining ethical standards for XR/AI integration, rather than leaving these decisions solely to technology companies or policymakers.