Abstract

Avatars are a visual representation of users in a virtual world such as an MMORPG. These avatars are often seen as representations or idealizations of the user`s actual self. However, this view does not account for the prevalence of two behaviors: multiple avatars and `gender swapping`. An exercise and questionnaire were created to study avatar customization practices across players outside the context of any particular game to understand better user motivations in creating their virtual selves. A preliminary trial of the exercise showed little correlation between age or gender and gender swapping. While those of non-traditional sexuality were more likely to gender swap, half of traditional sexuality also swapped. Finally, the personality trait, Openness to Experience, showed promising correlation with gender swapping.

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