Unmasking entities
Expectancy violations in VTubers’ and virtual influencers’ self-disclosure
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 17833144 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Yingjia Huang (0009-0005-4187-7989, corresponding author), Rui Gu (0000-0003-3120-6290) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Publication date | 2026-01-19 |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Psychology of Popular Media (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2689-6567 • E-ISSN: 2689-6575 |
| Publisher | American Psychological Association (PUBLISHER • US) |
| DOI | 10.1037/ppm0000649 |
| OpenAlex | W7124847278 |
| Language | EN |
This study helps explain how audiences respond when virtual influencers and VTubers reveal personal or hidden information about themselves, such as the person behind a VTuber or the technology behind a virtual influencer. Results show that these “unmasking” moments can actually increase trust and connection, especially when they clarify identity or show bravery. These findings can guide creators and platforms in using digital self-disclosure to build more meaningful relationships with audiences. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)
Expectancy theory · Life expectancy · Perception · Deception detection and forensic psychology · Privacy, Security, and Data Protection · Psychology of Social Influence
| Highly cited | No |
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