Unprotected spaces? Sexual and other harms in two adult-oriented VRChat worlds: findings from an immersive observational study

The metaverse is an evolving virtual space in which users, represented by avatars, interact in real time using extended reality technologies. Researchers at Anglia Ruskin University conducted observational research in 2025 to explore sexual and other harms, and the protection available against them, in social virtual reality. A four-week scoping phase observed four popular platforms (VRChat, Horizon Worlds, Roblox, and Rec Room) to select one for sustained observation. A second four-week phase comprised 20 observation sessions in two high-traffic, adult-oriented VRChat worlds selected because harm had been reported and observed there. Researchers identified various harms, including sexual harassment and aggression, flashing, sexual references and imagery, virtual physical harms, verbal abuse, racism, and discussion of sensitive topics. The study also found that guardianship was inconsistent: it depended largely on unpaid, world-level volunteer moderators; otherwise, users protected themselves.PRACTICE IMPACT STATEMENT Findings suggest that virtual reality platforms and world administrators should treat guardianship as a designed and resourced safety function; that regulators, including Ofcom in the UK, should consider how age-assurance and children's safety duties apply to virtual user-created spaces; and that parents and carers should know that children can reach spaces labelled adults-only. Researchers should plan well-being support before undertaking observational research of this kind.