ON THE INFLUENCE OF THE APPLICANT'S VIRTUAL IDENTITY STATUS ON THEIR TOLERANCE OF UNCERTAINTY
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17721/1728-2217.2025.63.24-29Keywords:
virtual identity; tolerance of uncertainty; uncertainty; identity; virtual environment; online platformsAbstract
B a c k g r o u n d . In a virtual environment, where uncertainty is a systemic property and social information is excessive and precedes facts, often containing many fakes and contradictory opinions, the most sought-after quality of a user forming their virtual identity is tolerance of uncertainty.
M e t h o d s . Adapted methods for assessing virtual identity (Status VI) and tolerance of uncertainty (MSTAT-I) were used. The presence and nature of the relationship were tested using correlation analysis (Pearson's r-criterion), regression analysis (Fisher's F-criterion), and structural equation modelling (SEM). Data processing was performed using correlation analysis (r-criterion), the Kruskal-Wallis H-criterion, the Mann-Whitney U-criterion, multiple linear regression (least squares method, LSM), and structural equation modelling (maximum likelihood method).
R e s u l t s . It has been shown that student-aged users with a diffuse virtual identity (VI), who experience difficulties in meaningful, proactive self-expression in a virtual environment, are less tolerant of uncertainty compared to users focused on searching for and/or confirming their VI (achieved, foreclosed, moratorium). In other words, the search for and acceptance of VI are associated with overcoming uncertainty by choosing among various alternatives for expressing the self in a virtual environment. Acceptance of virtual identity increases tolerance of, uncertainty, while the search for virtual identity is associated with a preference for uncertainty. Users with diffuse virtual identity tended to perceive uncertain (new and ambiguous) situations as sources of threat. With age, the understanding of complex situations deepens and interest in new stimuli decreases. It has also been established that the age gradient is more pronounced in men than in women: in the male sample, a significant increase in tolerance of uncertainty was observed in the 18-25 age range.
C o n c l u s i o n s . The article analyzes the contribution of the components and status of virtual identity to the variability of uncertainty tolerance indicators among student-aged users of online platforms. An attempt was made to expand the scope of previous studies on identity psychology and tolerance of uncertainty by considering the components and statuses of virtual identity as predictors of tolerance of uncertainty among young users of online platforms. Accordingly, the relationship between indicators of virtual identity and tolerance of uncertainty was examined in a student-aged sample of online platform users.
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