This study explores the use of 'blocking' as a safety tool in social VR platforms, a feature widely implemented to protect users from harassment. Despite its prevalence, little research investigates the reasons users block others and how they perceive the feature.To address this gap, we analyzed discussions from r/VRChat, r/AltspaceVR, r/HorizonWorld, and r/RecRoom, using thematic analysis. Our findings reveal that users block others for various reasons, extending beyond mere disruption avoidance to include personal preferences of avatars and social management such as blocking a friend for a disagreement. Furthermore, the study highlights the empowering roles and the limitations of blocking as a solution to harassment. The study contributes to understanding user behavior in social VR and offers insights for developing more effective safety tools in these immersive environments.
This study explores the use of 'blocking' as a safety tool in social VR platforms, a feature widely implemented to protect users from harassment. Despite its prevalence, little research investigates the reasons users block others and how they perceive the feature.To address this gap, we analyzed discussions from r/VRChat, r/AltspaceVR, r/HorizonWorld, and r/RecRoom, using thematic analysis. Our findings reveal that users block others for various reasons, extending beyond mere disruption avoidance to include personal preferences of avatars and social management such as blocking a friend for a disagreement. Furthermore, the study highlights the empowering roles and the limitations of blocking as a solution to harassment. The study contributes to understanding user behavior in social VR and offers insights for developing more effective safety tools in these immersive environments.
Investigating the Use and Perception of Blocking Feature in Social Virtual Reality Spaces: A Study on Discussion Forums / Chen, Qijia; Mousavi, Seyed Mahed; Riccardi, Giuseppe; Jacucci, Giulio. - In: PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACM ON HUMAN-COMPUTER INTERACTION. - ISSN 2573-0142. - 9:2(2025), pp. 1-19. (Intervento presentato al convegno PACMHCI V9, N2, April 2025 tenutosi a Online nel April 2025) [10.1145/3711018].
Investigating the Use and Perception of Blocking Feature in Social Virtual Reality Spaces: A Study on Discussion Forums
Mousavi, Seyed Mahed
Secondo
;Riccardi, Giuseppe
Penultimo
;
2025-01-01
Abstract
This study explores the use of 'blocking' as a safety tool in social VR platforms, a feature widely implemented to protect users from harassment. Despite its prevalence, little research investigates the reasons users block others and how they perceive the feature.To address this gap, we analyzed discussions from r/VRChat, r/AltspaceVR, r/HorizonWorld, and r/RecRoom, using thematic analysis. Our findings reveal that users block others for various reasons, extending beyond mere disruption avoidance to include personal preferences of avatars and social management such as blocking a friend for a disagreement. Furthermore, the study highlights the empowering roles and the limitations of blocking as a solution to harassment. The study contributes to understanding user behavior in social VR and offers insights for developing more effective safety tools in these immersive environments.| File | Dimensione | Formato | |
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