Ilker Bahar is a PhD candidate in Media and Cultural Studies at the University of Amsterdam. He is currently conducting digital ethnographic research on the social VR platform VRChat, exploring how VR and immersive technologies are reshaping identity, intimacy, and sexuality. His work is grounded in queer theory, science and technology studies and critical media studies. His broader research interests includes virtual reality, avatar embodiment and aesthetics, AI companions and digital cultures.