Examining Identity Shift Effects in Virtual Reality

Identity shift describes how individuals commit to self-presentations made in public computer-mediated contexts. This study attempts to expand identity shift effects to virtual reality. Participants were randomly assigned to present themselves as extraverted or introverted in pilot tested public or private virtual environments. The hypotheses and data analysis strategy were preregistered, and the study had sufficient a priori statistical power. The results did not support identity shift effects. Baseline extraversion predicted postmanipulation extraversion scores, thus suggesting identity stability. The discussion focuses on the empirical consistency of the identity shift effect and avenues for future research.