  Matching avatar characteristics to a user can impact sense of embodiment
(SoE) in VR. However, few studies have examined how participant demographics
may interact with these matching effects. We recruited a diverse and racially
balanced sample of 78 participants to investigate the differences among
participant groups when embodying both demographically matched and unmatched
avatars. We found that participant ethnicity emerged as a significant factor,
with Asian and Black participants reporting lower total SoE compared to
Hispanic participants. Furthermore, we found that user ethnicity significantly
influences ownership (a subscale of SoE), with Asian and Black participants
exhibiting stronger effects of matched avatar ethnicity compared to White
participants. Additionally, Hispanic participants showed no significant
differences, suggesting complex dynamics in ethnic-racial identity. Our results
also reveal significant main effects of matched avatar ethnicity and gender on
SoE, indicating the importance of considering these factors in VR experiences.
These findings contribute valuable insights into understanding the complex
dynamics shaping VR experiences across different demographic groups.
