What we mean by “metaverse tables”
“Metaverse tables” are shared virtual spaces where people gather around a digital table to meet, play, or collaborate. Think poker nights, board-game lounges, design reviews, or round-table discussions inside social VR apps. The same norms as real life apply — with extra layers for avatar boundaries, privacy, and comfort.
Etiquette at the virtual table
Respect personal space and consent
Don’t crowd avatars or lean into someone’s face. Meta’s Horizon Worlds enforces a default “Personal Boundary” that keeps roughly four feet between avatars to curb harassment; leave it on and respect it.
Use voice responsibly, and know your mute/block tools
If someone is disruptive, mute, block, or report rather than escalating. Horizon Worlds adds quick safety controls in the pause menu; VRChat and Rec Room offer robust safety/trust systems and codes of conduct. Learn these menus before you join a session.
Ask before streaming or recording
Treat avatars as people. If you plan to capture video, ask the room first and be ready to move to a public instance if anyone opts out. Many platforms provide report pathways for privacy or conduct violations.
Keep rooms inclusive and on-topic
Follow platform conduct rules and keep table talk respectful. Rec Room’s code of conduct explicitly bans harassment and discriminatory content; similar principles apply across social VR.
Safety setup you should do every time
Draw your physical boundary
Use your headset’s boundary/guardian system so a virtual wall appears if you near a real-world obstacle. It’s a first-line safety net for room-scale movement.
Fit the headset and set IPD correctly
A good fit reduces eyestrain and disorientation. Adjust lens spacing (interpupillary distance, IPD) to match your pupils; Meta provides step-by-step guidance.
Clean gear the right way
Use non-alcohol, non-abrasive wipes for the headset body; clean lenses with a dry microfiber cloth from center outward. Avoid direct sunlight on lenses, which can damage displays.
Age-appropriate accounts and supervision
On Meta Quest, preteens (10–12) require parent-managed accounts with stricter defaults and controls; policies vary by region. Ensure kids use the right account type and supervision.
Motion hygiene: how to feel better for longer
Prefer comfort locomotion
Choose teleport or snap-turn over smooth joystick movement if you’re sensitive. Meta’s developer guidance notes snap-turn as the comfort option, and design docs encourage clear comfort toggles.
Keep frame rate high and latency low
Low, unstable frame rates and high motion-to-photon latency increase cybersickness. Aim for stable, high refresh experiences; research links high latency to discomfort, and long-standing best-practice guides stress ≥60–90 FPS and ~20 ms MTP as targets.
Use vignettes and narrower FOV while moving
A temporary FOV reduction (vignetting) or generally narrower FOV during movement can reduce nausea; both industry guidance and studies report benefits.
Build tolerance gradually and take breaks
Ramp session length slowly, especially if you’re new. Follow the headset’s health-and-safety advice and take frequent breaks at the first sign of discomfort.
Table-friendly ergonomics
- Sit or stand with neutral posture, shoulders relaxed, wrists straight, and controllers resting when idle. If you’re in mixed reality, keep a real chair aligned with your virtual seat to reduce awkward reaches.
- Keep your physical table clear of cups, cables, and pets; boundary systems help, but clutter still trips people.
- Use passthrough/room view when reaching for real objects so you don’t overextend or knock things over. Vendor fit guides explain proper strap tension that distributes weight comfortably.
Anti-harassment and room moderation quick-actions
- Horizon Worlds: open Pause → Safety menu → Mute, Block, or Report; creators of members-only worlds can also manage reports routed to them.
- VRChat: use the Safety & Trust System to hide avatars, restrict interactions, and report users.
- Rec Room: enforce the Code of Conduct; the platform employs active voice moderation in public rooms.
Red-flags and realities
- Default personal-space bubbles and quick safety controls exist, but abuse still occurs in public spaces. Use private or friends-only instances for sensitive meetups and intervene early with mute/block/report.
- Headlines continue to raise concerns about under-13 users and moderation challenges; if kids are involved, use parent-managed accounts and supervised spaces only.
Quick checklist before you sit at a metaverse table
- Boundary set and floor level calibrated
- Headset fit and IPD adjusted
- Comfort settings chosen (teleport, snap-turn, vignettes)
- Safety menu learned (mute/block/report)
- Private instance or clear room rules if the topic is sensitive
- Microfiber cloth handy; water nearby; timer for breaks
FAQ
What’s the fastest way to de-escalate bad behavior at the table?
Mute, then block and report using the platform’s built-in tools. Don’t argue — hosts should remove offenders or switch to a private instance.
I get woozy when moving around. What should I change first?
Try teleport movement and snap-turn; enable vignettes; shorten sessions; and pick apps with stable high frame rates. Adjust IPD and fit to reduce eye strain.
Can kids join our metaverse game night?
Only with the right account type and supervision where allowed. Meta requires parent-managed accounts for ages 10–12, with stricter privacy defaults.
