Abstract

This chapter delves into the complexities of conduct harms in social Virtual Reality (VR), emphasising the distinctive challenges posed by VR's immersive nature. It explores how VR's spatial and temporal affordances intensify experiences of harassment, particularly embodied harassment, which feels ‘real’ due to the embodied nature of VR interactions. The chapter highlights the inadequacy of current moderation practices and the unique forms of gender-based harm prevalent within VR environments. It critiques the reliance on reactive safety features, which often fail to protect users effectively, and underscores the necessity for a more proactive approach to governance and policymaking. By examining the psychological and social impacts of conduct harms, the chapter calls for a reevaluation of community norms and the development of more inclusive and effective moderation tools, advocating for a synergy between human, automated and community-based approaches to ensure user safety in social VR platforms.