Stress and coping in VRChat: A mixed-method case study of the use of VRChat as a coping tool during the COVID-19 pandemic

Applying the Stimulus-Organism-Response (SOR) Framework and the Transactional Theory of Stress and Coping, this study examines how individuals utilized the social virtual reality (VR) platform VRChat to address the heightened stress of the COVID-19 pandemic. We investigate how VRChat's unique affordances—particularly embodied presence and limitless user-generated content—create a psychologically distinct environment for emotion regulation, identity expression, and social connection. Using a mixed-methods case study approach, we analyzed VRChat player counts through time series analysis and related Twitter discourse using structural topic modeling (STM). Results revealed a substantial increase in player activity during the early stages of the pandemic lockdown. At the same time, STM identified prominent coping-related themes, including social interaction, avatar customization, and creative expression. By explicitly mapping these findings to our theoretical frameworks, we demonstrate how VRChat facilitated both intrapersonal and interpersonal coping by enabling users to manage stress, sustain social bonds, and explore identity. The study extends psychological models by illustrating how the specific affordances of social VR shape stress appraisal and coping responses in ways that are distinct from those of other digital platforms. • VRChat player engagement increased significantly during the early COVID-19 lockdown. • Users leveraged VRChat for social interaction, creative expression, and identity work. • Platform affordances like avatars act as stimuli for intrapersonal and social coping. • Social VR serves as a psychologically distinct environment for managing crisis-related stress.