University of Twente Student Theses
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Virtual Worlds, Real Risks: Exploring Early Signs of Radicalization in the Metaverse
Verkerk, T. (2025) Virtual Worlds, Real Risks: Exploring Early Signs of Radicalization in the Metaverse.
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| Abstract: | As immersive virtual environments become increasingly popular, concerns have started emerging about their potential role in facilitating online radicalization. The real-time interaction combined with anonymity and a high degree of immersion can amplify social influence and emotional engagement within these 3D social platforms. While prior research on online radicalization has mostly been focused on text- and video-based platforms, much is left to learn on how political or polarizing interactions manifest in more immersive settings. This study aims to explore the presence and nature of politically charged communication in VRChat through five observation sessions in the virtual world “The Black Cat.” Using a framework adapted from e-participation and previous research on online radicalization, the study categorizes political expressions from ideological commentary and propaganda to recruitment efforts. The results reveal a broad spectrum of political communication which came often intertwined with humor and provocation. Some interactions contained disinformation, slurs, or ideological messages while others showed more sincere conversation on issues like abortion, immigration, or religion. The badly moderated and chaotic nature of the environment gave room for both radical conversations as well as more constructive discussions, highlighting the dual potential of VRChat. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Bachelor) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 05 communication studies, 88 social and public administration |
| Programme: | International Business Administration BSc (50952) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/106825 |
| Export this item as: | BibTeX EndNote HTML Citation Reference Manager |
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