The Future of Virtual Humans: A Delphi Study on The Emerging Trends and Implications of Human - Virtual Human Interactions

Abstract

Recent developments across various technological domains have brought cyber-physical systems, once confined to science fiction, closer to everyday reality. One striking example are virtual humans (VHs): lifelike digital entities designed to replicate human appearance and behaviour (Burden & Savin-Baden, 2019). VHs offer a wide range of possible applications, from virtual idols and assistants to companions, partners, and even forms of digital immortality. As their use becomes more widespread, it is essential to ensure they are developed with the aim of complementing and supporting human life, rather than replacing or undermining it. To explore this, the present study employed the Delphi method to gather insights from experts on the technological evolution of VHs, their potential societal roles, and the governance challenges they may pose. The findings offer practical guidance for stakeholders involved in the development, design, and regulation of virtual humans, contributing to a more thoughtful and sustainable integration of this emerging technology.