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Reflections of the extended self: Visual self-representation in avatar-mediated environments

Author

Listed:
  • Messinger, Paul R.
  • Ge, Xin
  • Smirnov, Kristen
  • Stroulia, Eleni
  • Lyons, Kelly

Abstract

We examine the relationship between avatars in virtual environments and the people they represent. We find that people (balancing the motives of self-verification and self-enhancement) design their avatars to be similar to their real selves, but with some enhancements that are more attractive. In particular, users most enhance on physical attributes that they perceive to be weak in real life. We also find that avatar attractiveness affects online behavioral traits such as extroversion and loudness. Lastly, we find support for a hierarchy of physical variation across online roles whereby people retain core identity elements (such as gender and race) across all their avatars, but they change peripheral elements (such as hair and clothing, and even face). We conclude by discussing implications of our findings for business and society.

Suggested Citation

  • Messinger, Paul R. & Ge, Xin & Smirnov, Kristen & Stroulia, Eleni & Lyons, Kelly, 2019. "Reflections of the extended self: Visual self-representation in avatar-mediated environments," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 100(C), pages 531-546.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jbrese:v:100:y:2019:i:c:p:531-546
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2018.12.020
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Timm Teubner & Sonia Camacho, 2023. "Facing Reciprocity: How Photos and Avatars Promote Interaction in Micro-communities," Group Decision and Negotiation, Springer, vol. 32(2), pages 435-467, April.
    2. Roberto Feltrero & Leire Junguitu-Angulo & Sara Osuna-Acedo, 2023. "Deploying SDG Knowledge to Foster Young People’s Critical Values: A Study on Social Trends about SDGs in an Educational Online Activity," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-30, April.
    3. Murtarelli, Grazia & Gregory, Anne & Romenti, Stefania, 2021. "A conversation-based perspective for shaping ethical human–machine interactions: The particular challenge of chatbots," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 129(C), pages 927-935.
    4. Huang, Tseng-Lung & Liu, Ben S.C., 2021. "Augmented reality is human-like: How the humanizing experience inspires destination brand love," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 170(C).
    5. Carol Nash, 2023. "Team Mindfulness in Online Academic Meetings to Reduce Burnout," Challenges, MDPI, vol. 14(1), pages 1-22, March.
    6. Zhou, Fei & Mou, Jian & He, Meixian & Kim, Jongki, 2021. "Nicknames as identity badges: How self-reflective nicknames can facilitate users’ online social interactions," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 60(C).
    7. Kim, Do Yuon & Lee, Ha Kyung & Chung, Kyunghwa, 2023. "Avatar-mediated experience in the metaverse: The impact of avatar realism on user-avatar relationship," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 73(C).
    8. Jussi S. Jauhiainen, 2021. "Entrepreneurship and Innovation Events during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The User Preferences of VirBELA Virtual 3D Platform at the SHIFT Event Organized in Finland," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(7), pages 1-22, March.

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