This is My Body: The Uses and Effects of the Avatar in the Virtual World

Abstract

The study focuses on the relationship users of virtual worlds, such as Second Life, may or may not develop toward the avatar they use. A questionnaire was developed to collect both qualitative and quantitative data from students engaged in a university assignment that required them to use an avatar in Second Life. The findings are contextualized and discussed: The distinctions between software, hardware and self are blurred.

Undertaking qualitative health research in social virtual worlds

“…, Banakou & Chorianopoulos , Conrad et al . ). This ability to manipulate appearance to try to influence ‘trustworthiness’ differs from ‘offline’ physical world research where the researcher cannot easily manipulate their body image.…”

“…During the study, many participants commented that they found it easier to relate to and trust information from professional looking human avatars whilst receiving health information. Several researchers have found that humanoid avatar's appearance and behaviour, particularly attractive female avatars or avatars which are similar to an individual's own avatar are viewed as more likable, approachable, persuasive and trustworthy (Messinger et al 2008, Banakou & Chorianopoulos 2010, Conrad et al 2010. This ability to manipulate appearance to try to influence 'trustworthiness' differs from 'offline' physical world research where the researcher cannot easily manipulate their body image.…”

Virtual Space

“…Virtual worlds are sites for socialization, advertisement, employment, support group facilitation, artistic expression, education, and research (Baldwin, 2008; Boellstorff, 2008; Cole, Nolan, Seko, Mancuso, & Ospina, 2011; Conrad, Neale, & Charles, 2010; Messinger et al, 2009; Taylor, 1999; Thomas & Brown, 2009). Scholarship on the applicability of virtual worlds, such as Second Life, as platforms for social support for people with disabilities, or for research initiatives (Cole et al, 2011; Forman, Baker, Pater, & Smith, 2011; Gamito et al, 2011; Gervasi, Magni, & Zampolini, 2010; Good, Gnanayutham, Sambhanthan, & Panjganj, 2011; Gorini, Gaggioli, & Riva, 2007; Parsons, 2012; Riva et al, 2010; Stendal, Molka-Danielsen, & Munkvold, 2011) reveal alternative possibilities beyond examinations of the cultural and sub-cultural expressions of identity within these worlds (Baldwin, 2008; Bardzell & Odom, 2008; Boellstorff, 2008; Kafai, Fields, & Cook, 2007; Mackenzie, 2011; Schulze, 2011).…”