Ethicality of Introducing Voice Chat with a Case Study of YLE’s Linna Party
Wang, Rulin (2025)
2025
Master's Programme in Sustainable Societies and Digitalisation
Informaatioteknologian ja viestinnän tiedekunta - Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences
This publication is copyrighted. You may download, display and print it for Your own personal use. Commercial use is prohibited.
Hyväksymispäivämäärä
2025-07-23Tiivistelmä
This thesis examines the effects of voice chat in virtual events from young adults’ perspective who are above 18 years old. Technological advancement has made virtual events more prevalent and Finland has introduced the Finland Metaverse Strategy to create a virtual environment where participants could socialize and communicate freely. With a specific focus on YLE’s Linna Party as a case study, this research focuses on introducing voice chat in virtual events. By examining qualitative and quantitative survey responses, this thesis explores the benefits and concerns of introducing voice chat in virtual events.
Findings from the survey suggest that voice chat is a beneficial introduction to virtual events because it brings interactivity and allows participants to be engaged in conversations and activities with other participants. These interactions help to foster a sense of belonging and a sense of community. However, there are concerns that young adults raised about voice chat and they are verbal abuse and exposure to inappropriate content. Young adults hope to have the freedom to choose over the activation of voice chat and having moderators and live-monitoring measures implemented by event organisers and platform developers to address their concerns. This research highlights the ethical considerations for introducing voice chat in virtual events focusing on autonomy, social benefits, prevention and accountability. Through literature review and findings from the survey, this study recommends ethical considerations for virtual event organisers and platform developers to consider for responsible implementation of voice chat in virtual events. This research proposes other areas that could be researched for future explorations.
Findings from the survey suggest that voice chat is a beneficial introduction to virtual events because it brings interactivity and allows participants to be engaged in conversations and activities with other participants. These interactions help to foster a sense of belonging and a sense of community. However, there are concerns that young adults raised about voice chat and they are verbal abuse and exposure to inappropriate content. Young adults hope to have the freedom to choose over the activation of voice chat and having moderators and live-monitoring measures implemented by event organisers and platform developers to address their concerns. This research highlights the ethical considerations for introducing voice chat in virtual events focusing on autonomy, social benefits, prevention and accountability. Through literature review and findings from the survey, this study recommends ethical considerations for virtual event organisers and platform developers to consider for responsible implementation of voice chat in virtual events. This research proposes other areas that could be researched for future explorations.