We are excited to share a new publication in Information, Communication & Society, titled “The Dual Impact of Virtual Reality: Examining the Addictive Potential and Therapeutic Applications of Immersive Media in the Metaverse” by Ljubiša Bojić, Jörg Matthes, Agariadne Dwinggo Samala, and Milan Čabarkapa.
As virtual reality (VR) technologies evolve rapidly and become important to the emerging metaverse, their influence on individuals and society is also growing. The study takes a closer look at how core features of VR, such as immersion, interactivity, real-time access, and personalization can have both harmful and helpful effects. By reviewing 44 peer-reviewed papers, they found that 19 studies identified these features as contributing to addictive behaviors, while 25 papers showed that the same features could be used to support addiction treatment, mental health care, and pain management.
This duality highlights the need to stop viewing VR as simply beneficial or harmful. Instead, it should be understood as a tool that can shape user behavior in different ways depending on design, context, and regulation. This work advances current understanding of VR by framing it as a media environment that closely mimics reality and deeply engages the senses making it both more compelling and potentially more risky than previous technologies. It also contributes to the growing discussion on how immersive technologies may change not only health and social interactions but also norms around communication, attention, and emotional well-being.
Based on these findings, it seems recommendable to advocate for stronger policy frameworks and design strategies to prevent overuse and media addiction. Suggestions include time-tracking tools, algorithmic diversity, and content moderation to avoid filter bubbles (communicative feedback loops). At the same time, the therapeutic potential of VR should be further developed in clinical settings where immersive environments can be safely and ethically used to support well-being.
📘 Access the full article here: https://doi.org/10.1080/1369118X.2025.2520005