Ethical and Emotional Design Challenges in Human-Digital Twin Interaction: A Systematic Review

Abstract

This systematic review analyzes the ethical and emotional challenges associated with Human-Digital Twin Interaction (HDTI), an emerging area that integrates real-time data modeling and human-centered artificial intelligence. The review synthesizes findings from 39 peer-reviewed studies in healthcare, education, and industrial sectors, highlighting key issues such as data privacy, algorithmic bias, emotional authenticity, and user autonomy. A thematic analysis demonstrates the manifestation of these challenges at the intersection of technical design and human experience, impacting user trust, emotional well-being, and ethical compliance. The review presents a multidimensional framework that connects essential design elements namely personalization, empathy modeling, and explainability with their ethical implications, emotional effects, and practical implementation strategies. This study emphasizes the significance of emotional calibration, participatory design, and ethical auditing as essential mechanisms for ensuring the responsible deployment of HDTI. The review examines not only individual user concerns but also system-level and societal implications, such as institutional trust, social equity, and the cultural formation of emotional norms. The findings highlight the necessity for interdisciplinary collaboration and policy innovation to ensure that HDTI systems are consistent with the principles of transparency, fairness, and emotional integrity. This study seeks to direct subsequent research and influence the development of ethically and emotionally sustainable digital twin technologies.