Virtual Reality and the Effect of Outgroup Embodiment on Implicit Racial Prejudice

Introduction: Previous research has discussed how the embodiment of an out-group avatar in Virtual Reality (VR) can either reduce or increase levels of prejudice (e.g., Todd et al., 2011; Peck et al., 2013, Eastwick & Gardner, 2009; Banakou et al., 2020). Objective: Considering the conflicting results from previous studies, the present study aims to explore racial prejudice towards Black people using a VR intervention involving the embodiment of an asylum seeker. Specifically, the study seeks to evaluate whether embodying an asylum seeker from an African country (Burkina Faso), compared to one from Ukraine, in a complex VR environment, influences racial prejudice differently. Methodology: A total of 175 participants (121 females, 54 males) were instructed to learn the biographical information of a fictional asylum-seeking protagonist (either Ukrainian or Burkinabe) and to embody an avatar that physically resembled that protagonist in a VR environment. Subsequently, participants were required to undergo an authorization interview (in a real-time virtual interaction) with an immigration officer, played by a confederate. Participants completed the Implicit Association Test (IAT) both before and after the experimental manipulation. Results: The results indicate that embodying a Ukrainian avatar, compared to a Burkinabe one, led participants to report higher implicit racial prejudice after the VR experience. Conclusions: This study contributes to a growing area of research exploring the potential to reduce implicit prejudice through the use of new technologies, such as VR devices. Potential causal factors, the study's limitations, and future directions will be discussed in light of these findings.