Virtual worlds and well-being: current research and future directions

Barreda Ángeles, M, Amendola, S, Da Silva, C, Somià, T, Boucher, P, Schade, S, Meier, A, Mansfield, K, Gunschera, L, Orben, A, Turner, G, Griffiths, MD ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8880-6524, Hartmann, T, Freeman, G, Gui, X, Kou, Y, Baumgartner, S, Vuorre, M, Ohme, J, Hine, E, López Richart, J and Belmoussi, O, 2025. Virtual worlds and well-being: current research and future directions. Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union.

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Abstract

Virtual worlds are persistent, immersive environments that blend physical and digital spaces in real time. The expanding use of these technologies underscores the need to study their impact on users’ well-being. Drawing on insights from 16 experts across diverse disciplines, this report provides an overview of the current state of scientific knowledge on this topic and outlines pathways for future research and cross-sector collaboration. The expert contributions address a wide range of issues, from lessons learned in previous research on social media and video games, to the distinctive features of virtual worlds and how these may influence users’ well-being. They also explore emerging methodological approaches for studying these environments and discuss questions related to platform governance and content moderation. The perspectives gathered in this report highlight the importance of considering technological features, content, and user characteristics to develop a nuanced understanding of the risks and benefits associated with virtual worlds. Integrating these perspectives, this report aims to lay the groundwork for future multidisciplinary research and sustained collaboration among key stakeholders, emphasizing the need for rigorous, inclusive, and policy-relevant studies that can help unlock the opportunities while addressing the challenges of virtual world applications.

Item Type:	Research report for external body
Creators:	Barreda Ángeles, M., Amendola, S., Da Silva, C., Somià, T., Boucher, P., Schade, S., Meier, A., Mansfield, K., Gunschera, L., Orben, A., Turner, G., Griffiths, M.D., Hartmann, T., Freeman, G., Gui, X., Kou, Y., Baumgartner, S., Vuorre, M., Ohme, J., Hine, E., López Richart, J. and Belmoussi, O.
Publisher:	Publications Office of the European Union
Place of Publication:	Luxembourg
Date:	1 November 2025
Identifiers:	Number Type 10.2760/7811534 DOI 2524321 Other
Divisions:	Schools > School of Social Sciences
Record created by:	Laura Borcherds
Date Added:	14 Nov 2025 11:30
Last Modified:	14 Nov 2025 11:30
URI:	https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/54732

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