Do shy people feel less communication apprehension online? The effects of virtual reality on the relationship between personality characteristics and communication outcomes

► Shy people felt less of communication apprehension on Second Life than Face to Face communication. ► Perceived communication competence was not affected by virtual reality. ► FtFC was more effective in influencing individuals' intention to change behavior. ► Lack of visual/auditory cues in virtual reality is the major factor that influenced the outcome.