Avatar-based virtual reality and the associated gender stereotypes in a university environment

Abstract Avatar-based virtual reality (VR) is becoming more prevalent in industry and educational settings. There is, however, limited research on the extent to which gender stereotypes are present this environment. The university laboratory study presented paper was conducted a VR environment with participants who were randomly assigned male or female avatars instructed negotiate role of manager member staff. results reveal differences satisfaction regarding their roles gender. Participants embodied avatar less happy when they subordinates interacting avatar, compared embodying staff (interacting avatar). Male also content than reported being comfortable experience. Relevant for diversity management integrating education business, discussed regard self-similarity social identity dynamics provide insight into understanding may be avatar-based VR.