Health and Wellbeing Risks: These include cognitive, psycho-emotional, socio-relational, and physical impacts, with concerns about addiction, anxiety, social isolation, and potential physical injuries.

The primary physical risk is that of cybersickness, sometimes called simulation sickness, where users of immersive XR experience a series of negative symptomatology including, but not limited to nausea, vomiting, eyestrain, disorientation, ataxia, and vertigo. Those using Head Mounted Displays (HMDs) face additional issues with reduced user stability, where balance and orientation may be affected. Use of these devices also has impacts on the visual system, from discomfort, blurred vision, and eye strain (asthenopia), to worsening of stereoacuity and other oculomotor effects. When it comes to HMDs, visual and auditory occlusion may lead to self-injury or collisions with bystanders or objects. HMDs also have a small field of view which contributes to inhibited spatial understanding, compromising a user’s ability to navigate spaces safely. Cognitive risks arise from the fact that Immersive VR has the capacity to convince the brain of new environments, creating sensations similar to real-world experiences and potentially influencing user behavior. These behavioral changes may be confined to virtual space, where individuals adopt traits associated with their avatar representation (the “Proteus effect”), or they may extend beyond VR, shaping actions in the physical world.

Autonomy Risks: Issues such as privacy, self-sovereignty, surveillance, and authenticity were identified, highlighting concerns over biometric data privacy, virtual identity control, and user manipulation.

Epistemic and Scientific Risks: Risks include algorithmic imperfection, manipulation, and uncertainties in epistemic and scientific areas, emphasizing challenges in transparency and potential biases in data interpretation.

Normative Risks: Risks of norm and rights violations are explored, including moral and ethical boundaries potentially compromised by XR technologies.

Structural Risks: Socio-political, economic, and legal risks are mapped, focusing on the effects on labor markets, regulatory gaps, and potential inequities.

Technical Safety and Security Risks: These include hacking, data leaks, and dual-use risks, stressing the importance of secure digital infrastructure and robust cybersecurity practices.