A Virtual Safe Space?

Health measures in response to the Covid-19 pandemic have confined millions their homes and minimized social contacts. During this period, a significant proportion of activities—including work, education, recreation—moved digital media platforms. Among these platforms, virtual reality (VR) has gained importance offering “alternative” realities which users can engage with others, participate cultural sports events, complete education-related activities, (mental) health treatments, name but few functions. With increasing popularity VR expanding range activities platforms host, hitherto-unexplored questions arise regarding interactions representation bodies. Therefore, objective paper is outline potential framework for assessing how avatars that represent various body types demographic characteristics, such as gender or ethnicity, may impact behaviors identity. The presents theoretical study combines identity theory theories intersectionality applies them case digitally created human-like By doing this, it illuminates challenges benefits representations hold—including remote due isolation dynamics based on online personas.