The effects of ingroup bias on public speaking anxiety in virtual reality

Virtual agents can be powerful elements in virtual reality (VR) applications, as their influence on user experience is governed by complex social mechanisms. Public speaking offers a relatively high-stakes situation that involves interaction with virtual agents. We examined the effects of an ingroup versus outgroup virtual audience on public speaking anxiety (PSA). Additionally, we looked at how emotional intelligence and VR ecological validity modified these effects. Results indicated that the VR application succeeded in evoking ingroup bias, and that in the ingroup condition, self-reported PSA was related to general PSA. Emotional intelligence was also a significant moderator. Additionally, audience type influenced the level of presence experienced by the user: ingroup audiences result in a higher level of presence. This study identifies potential areas of interest for future research, approaches that could influence users in specific and measurable ways in applications involving virtual social interaction, as well as the personalization of these virtual experiences.