Investigating the Use and Perception of Blocking Feature in Social Virtual Reality Spaces: A Study on Discussion Forums

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.