The Virtual Reality Experience

The CyberBullyStop VR experience places players inside simulated online interactions where they must choose how to respond. Each decision affects empathy points, narrative outcomes, and opportunities for reflection. 

Watch the video below to understand the experience. If you want to play, download the file below. After that, answer the questionnaire below.

After the the video Click here to participate the Survey

How It Works?

Enter the Scenario

Students put on the VR headset and enter a social media–inspired environment.

Make Communication Choices

Players select how to respond to messages, posts, or conflicts.

Receive Feedback and Points

The system rewards empathetic, respectful choices and highlights the impact of harmful messages.

Reflect and Try Again

Players can replay scenarios, experiment with alternative responses, and discuss outcomes with peers or educators.

Educational Rationale

By combining game mechanics with narrative and perspective-taking, the VR experience encourages students to think critically about their digital actions. Instead of simply telling them what not to do, it lets them see how different choices feel and what consequences they create for others.

 

Download the Empathy Game for Meta Quest 3
After the Virtual Experience Click here to participate the Survey

 

How to Install the Empathy Game

Meta Quest 3 Installation Guide

The Empathy Game is a research-based virtual reality experience developed as part of the CyberbullyStop intervention. Because this is an academic prototype, it must be installed using Developer Mode on the Meta Quest 3.

Please follow the steps below carefully.

Requirements

Before installing, ensure you have:

  • A Meta Quest 3 headset

  • A Windows or Mac computer

  • A USB-C cable (data transfer capable)

  • A free Meta Developer account

  • The Empathy Game APK file downloaded from this page

Step 1 – Enable Developer Mode

  1. Visit developer.oculus.com on your computer.

  2. Log in using the same Meta account linked to your Quest 3.

  3. Create a developer organization (any name is acceptable).

  4. Accept the terms and complete the setup.

Next:

  1. Open the Meta Quest mobile app on your phone.

  2. Go to Menu → Devices → (Your Quest 3).

  3. Enable Developer Mode.

  4. Restart your headset.

Developer Mode allows installation of research and prototype applications.

Step 2 – Install SideQuest

SideQuest is a trusted third-party tool used for installing research and independent VR applications.

  1. Visit https://sidequestvr.com

  2. Download the Easy Installer for Windows or Mac.

  3. Install and open SideQuest on your computer.

Step 3 – Connect the Headset

  1. Connect your Meta Quest 3 to your computer using a USB-C cable.

  2. Put on the headset.

  3. When prompted:

    • Select Allow access to data

    • Select Always allow USB debugging → OK

In SideQuest, the connection indicator should turn green.

Step 4 – Install the Empathy Game

  1. Download the Empathy Game APK from this page.

  2. Open SideQuest.

  3. Click “Install APK from file” (folder icon with arrow).

  4. Select the file:
    EmpathyGame.apk

  5. Wait until you see:
    “APK file installed successfully.”

Step 5 – Launch the Experience

  1. Put on the Meta Quest 3.

  2. Open Apps from the main menu.

  3. Change the filter (top-right) to Unknown Sources.

  4. Select Empathy Game.

  5. The experience will begin.

⚠️ Important Notice

This application is an academic research prototype developed for the CyberbullyStop Capstone Project. It is not distributed through the official Meta Store and must be installed manually.

The experience is intended for educational and research purposes.

For Educators and Researchers

If you are implementing this experience in a classroom or workshop:

  • Ensure participants understand Developer Mode installation.

  • Obtain consent if collecting research data.

  • Provide supervision during first-time VR use.

 

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