The metaverse, expected to grow into a trillion-dollar market by 2030, is driving global investments across technology, economy, and even education. This research examines the interactions between consumers and avatars, a core element of the metaverse, to understand their influence on consumer identity, behavior, and attitudes. Based on the self-extension and self-expansion theories, the study uses immersive netnography to investigate consumer-avatar dynamics on the ZEPETO platform. Findings indicate that avatars act as extensions of the self, where consumers express control, create, and seek knowledge. Additionally, interactions between avatars contribute to self-expansion, as consumers incorporate the resources, perspectives, and characteristics of others into their own identity. This research offers both theoretical insights and practical applications by highlighting how consumer-avatar interactions can enhance consumer engagement and immersion in digital environments. Moreover, it suggests strategies for businesses to cultivate deeper consumer relationships in the metaverse.