Avatar Appearance Research Articles

Visual Perception and Evaluation of Photo-Realistic Self-Avatars From 3D Body Scans in Males and Females

The creation or streaming of photo-realistic self-avatars is important for virtual reality applications that aim for perception and action to replicate real world experience. The appearance and recognition of a digital self-avatar may be especially important for applications related to telepresence, embodied virtual reality, or immersive games. We investigated gender differences in the use of visual cues (shape, texture) of a self-avatar for estimating body weight and evaluating avatar appearance. A full-body scanner was used to capture each participant's body geometry and color information and a set of 3D virtual avatars with realistic weight variations was created based on a statistical body model. Additionally, a second set of avatars was created with an average underlying body shape matched to each participant's height and weight. In four sets of psychophysical experiments, the influence of visual cues on the accuracy of body weight estimation and the sensitivity to weight changes was assessed by manipulating body shape (own, average) and texture (own photo-realistic, checkerboard). The avatars were presented on a large-screen display, and participants responded to whether the avatar's weight corresponded to their own weight. Participants also adjusted the avatar's weight to their desired weight and evaluated the avatar's appearance with regard to similarity to their own body, uncanniness, and their willingness to accept it as a digital representation of the self. The results of the psychophysical experiments revealed no gender difference in the accuracy of estimating body weight in avatars. However, males accepted a larger weight range of the avatars as corresponding to their own. In terms of the ideal body weight, females but not males desired a thinner body. With regard to the evaluation of avatar appearance, the questionnaire responses suggest that own photo-realistic texture was more important to males for higher similarity ratings, while own body shape seemed to be more important to females. These results argue for gender-specific considerations when creating self-avatars.

How do avatar characteristics affect avatar friendliness and online gamer loyalty? Perspective of the theory of embodied cognition

PurposeAs technology-created gamers’ representations, avatars are influential in communication among online gamers. However, there is scant research on how avatars’ characteristics impact gamers’ friendly behaviour via avatars, i.e., avatar friendliness, and how avatar friendliness is related to online gamer loyalty. The purpose of this paper is to develop a research model grounded in the theory of embodied cognition to examine the impacts of perceived avatar appearance agreeableness, attractiveness and height on avatar friendliness and online gamer loyalty.Design/methodology/approachThe authors collect 1,384 responses from online gamers and use structural equation modelling for hypothesis testing.FindingsThe authors find that perceived avatar appearance agreeableness and attractiveness are positively related to avatar friendliness, while perceived avatar height is negatively related to avatar friendliness. Avatar friendliness, in turn, is positively related to online gamer loyalty.Research limitations/implicationsThis study assessed gamers’ perceptions using a cross-sectional design. Future works could use a big data approach to collect behavioural and longitudinal data. Moreover, future works could measure avatar height using pixels.Originality/valueThe authors contribute to the e-commerce literature by inventing the new constructs of perceived avatar appearance agreeableness and avatar friendliness, and conducting the first study of using avatar friendliness to explain the impacts of the three avatar characteristics on online gamer loyalty. The findings also provide novel insights for e-commerce managers to effectively build a loyal gamer base.

The Influence of Appearance and Movement of VR Avatar on Off-line Exercise Observation on Self-body Recognition

The Influence of Appearance and Movement of VR Avatar on Off-line Exercise Observation on Self-body Recognition

When You Exercise Your Avatar in a Virtual Game: The Role of Avatars’ Body Shape and Behavior in Users’ Health Behavior

Abstract We experience virtual worlds as avatars—we dress, move, engage in activities or interact with other users as avatars. Recent studies suggest that embodying an avatar does not only influence users’ behavior in a virtual environment, but it can also change users’ behavior in reality. However, little has been known about the role of an avatar's appearance in changing users’ behavior through embodying the avatar. We investigated how an online game avatar's body shape (obese vs. normal weight) and health behavior (healthy behavior vs. unhealthy behavior) can affect users’ health behavior after their virtual experience. Specifically, we conducted a laboratory experiment, and assigned participants to either an obese or a normal-weight avatar in a game. Half of the participants’ avatars performed healthy behaviors (engaged in physical activities and vegetable consumption), and the other half of participants performed unhealthy behaviors (engaged in sedentary behavior and binge-eating). After 20-min gameplay, participants were offered a box with high-sugar cookies, and also asked to use an exercising machine. According to the results, the normal avatar's healthy behavior increased participants’ exercising behavior (use of the exercising machine). However, the obese avatar's healthy behavior did not. Additional analyses revealed that using an avatar with an unhealthy lifestyle predicted male participants’ consumption of high-sugar cookies. The avatar's body shape alone did not independently predict neither participants’ exercising behavior nor cookie consumption. Theoretical and practical implications for the use of virtual environments to increase users’ health behavior were discussed.

Sexing the Avatar

Abstract. The present study explored the influence of avatar appearance on cyber-harassment in a virtual world. Specifically, this research examined how avatar gender and sexualization were related to the experience of sex- and non-sex-related harassment. An international sample of Second Life users (N = 216) completed an online questionnaire about their avatar’s appearance and virtual world experiences. Objectification theory and the disinhibition effect were used as theoretical grounding for the study. Results revealed disparate virtual experiences for male and female avatars and indicated that avatar sexualization was related to experiences of cyber-harassment for female avatars. The implications of this research extend beyond virtual worlds like Second Life to other Web-based communication applications that utilize avatars.

REDUNDANT: The Effects of Avatar Stereotypes and Cognitive Load on Virtual Interpersonal Attraction

The editors of Communication Research, Drs. Gibbs and Knobloch-Westerwick, wish to issue this notification of redundant publication regarding an article that Communication Research has published online on October 28, 2014 as doi: 10.1177/0093650214554613 (never published in print). This article, “The Effects of Avatar Stereotypes and Cognitive Load on Virtual Interpersonal Attraction: Mediation Effects of Perceived Trust and Reversed Perceptions Under Cognitive Load,” by Jorge Peña and Seung-Chul Yoo, was first submitted to Communication Research on July 11, 2012 and accepted for publication on April 4, 2014. Subsequently, on May 30, 2014, Jorge Peña and Seung-Chul Yoo published an article that is based on the same experiment and data set as the abovementioned article in Presence, titled “Under Pressure: Avatar Appearance and Cognitive Load Effects on Attitudes, Trustworthiness, Bidding, and Interpersonal Distance in a Virtual Store” (doi:10.1162/PRES_a_00166). The Peña and Yoo articles in Presence and Communication Research are highly redundant in their contribution. We, the editors of Communication Research, have examined the two articles and conferred with the corresponding contributor, Dr. Peña, on the matter. The two pieces utilize different dependent variables that are, however, extremely similar. They are nearly identical in their findings and present substantially overlapping material. Because the findings in the two articles could have easily been presented in one publication, we see this as a case of fragmented (“piecemeal” or “salami”) publication. Drawing on the guidance on publication ethics from various academic associations and the Committee on Publication Ethics, we consider the article in Communication Research a covert redundant publication; the authors failed to acknowledge any other articles reporting data from the same data set in their initial correspondence with the journal editorial office or through a citation in the manuscript. Dr. Peña suggested that Dr. Yoo should be explicitly exculpated from the matter because Dr. Yoo was a graduate student at the time of submission. Dr. Peña wishes to bear the entire responsibility for this matter. We have contacted the editors of Presence to inform them of this redundant publication.

I Am What I See: How Avatar and Opponent Agent Body Size Affects Physical Activity Among Men Playing Exergames

This study examined how avatar body size normal, obese and opponent character body size normal, obese influenced physical activity while male participants played an exergame. Males operating normal weight avatars showed more physical activity than those using obese avatars. Perceived avatar and opponent character body-size differences moderated the effect of avatar appearance on physical activity. Participants showed decreased physical activity when the opponent character was perceived as slightly more obese than their avatar. Participants also showed decreased physical activity when their avatar was perceived as more obese than the opponent character. We discuss theoretical implications and applications of using virtual characters to increase gamers' physical activity. These findings are also compared to an earlier study with an all-female sample.

Persuasive avatars: The effects of customizing a virtual salesperson׳s appearance on brand liking and purchase intentions

Transformed social interaction (TSI) suggests that virtual environments have unique advantages over traditional forms of interpersonal communication. Recent research has demonstrated that a persuasive speaker can use these advantages to create a more persuasive message. However, little has been done to establish how a receiver of a persuasive message in a virtual, interactive environment might also use these advantages. Giving individuals the ability to customize a persuasive source may empower them and affect their perceptions of the persuasive message. In a 2(forewarned or not)×2(customize source or watch customization) experiment, participants were forewarned or not forewarned that they would be hearing a persuasive message about buying a new energy drink. Participants were then allowed to customize (or watch someone customize) the appearance of the speaker's avatar before the sales pitch. Participants who had the opportunity customize the speaker's appearance liked the product more and had higher purchase intentions than those who did not have control, regardless of forewarning. Findings suggest a new application for TSI, and that both users and sources may benefit when users have the power to customize the appearance of a virtual salesperson. Virtual environments (VEs) offer new opportunities for persuasion.Message sources and receivers can utilize affordances of interactive media.Allowed users in VE to customize avatar of a persuasive speaker before speech.Customizers liked product and had higher purchase intention than non-customizers.

Engaging adolescents in a computer-based weight management program: avatars and virtual coaches could help.

This research focuses on the potential ability of animated avatars (a digital representation of the user) and virtual agents (a digital representation of a coach, buddy, or teacher) to deliver computer-based interventions for adolescents' chronic weight management. An exploration of the acceptance and desire of teens to interact with avatars and virtual agents for self-management and behavioral modification was undertaken. The utilized approach was inspired by community-based participatory research. Data was collected from 2 phases: Phase 1) focus groups with teens, provider interviews, parent interviews; and Phase 2) mid-range prototype assessment by teens and providers. Data from all stakeholder groups expressed great interest in avatars and virtual agents assisting self-management efforts. Adolescents felt the avatars and virtual agents could: 1) reinforce guidance and support, 2) fit within their lifestyle, and 3) help set future goals, particularly after witnessing the effect of their current behavior(s) on the projected physical appearance (external and internal organs) of avatars. Teens wanted 2 virtual characters: a virtual agent to act as a coach or teacher and an avatar (extension of themselves) to serve as a "buddy" for empathic support and guidance and as a surrogate for rewards. Preferred modalities for use include both mobile devices to accommodate access and desktop to accommodate preferences for maximum screen real estate to support virtualization of functions that are more contemplative and complex (e.g., goal setting). Adolescents expressed a desire for limited co-user access, which they could regulate. Data revealed certain barriers and facilitators that could affect adoption and use. The current study extends the support of teens, parents, and providers for adding avatars or virtual agents to traditional computer-based interactions. Data supports the desire for a personal relationship with a virtual character in support of previous studies. The study provides a foundation for further work in the area of avatar-driven motivational interviewing. This study provides evidence supporting the use of avatars and virtual agents, designed using participatory approaches, to be included in the continuum of care. Increased probability of engagement and long-term retention of overweight, obese adolescent users and suggests expanding current chronic care models toward more comprehensive, socio-technical representations.

Beauty in the eye of the beholder? Attractiveness in a virtual world

The current study examines whether traditional offline gender biases regarding physical attractiveness and status transfer to Second Life (SL), a virtual world where residents can easily manipulate the appearance and status of avatars (i.e., graphical representations of the self). Participants (N = 312, 60.58% female, Mage = 29.77, SD = 10.53) reported on demographics, SL usage, and rated the attractiveness of female and male avatars manipulated along physical attractiveness (high vs. low) and status (high vs. low). Mixed measures ANCOVAs were modeled separately for the female avatars and male avatars with within-subjects factors (avatar characteristics: physical attractiveness and status) and between-subject factors (participant characteristics: sex, and intensity of SL usage), while controlling for participant age. Consistent with offline norms, female avatars high in physical attractiveness were rated as more attractive, regardless of status. Participants rated male avatars high in physical attractiveness as more attractive if they were high in status compared to those low in status. We also found opposite-sex preferences and moderations by participant age and SL usage on avatar attractiveness ratings. The results suggest the continuity of offline gender norms and effect of in-world experience on perceptions of avatar appearance.

Introducing and Evaluating the Behavior of Non-verbal Features in the Virtual Learning

The objective of this research is to introduce the behavior of non-verbal features of e-Learners in the virtual learning environment to establish a fair representation of the real user by an avatar who represents the e-Learner in the virtual environment and to distinguish the deportment of the non-verbal features during the virtual learning session. The eye blink and the head pose, which can be considered as important non-verbal cues are detected by using a web-camera utilizing mainly the geometric method. Then the detected non-verbal cues are transferred to the virtual environment. When the e-Learner blinks eyes or/and moves his/her head, the movements are appeared in the virtual environment through an identical avatar. The result of the experiment depicts that the avatar appearance which can detect the real user non-verbal behavior has got a notable impact on the viewers’ impression. In addition to that, the successful establishment of the real user’s non-verbal behavior in the virtual environment enhances the effectiveness of the communication since avatar is able to facilitate the fair representation to the real user with visualizing the real user non-verbal behavior in the virtual environment. The analysis of the non-verbal behavior during the virtual learning activity specified that the eye blinking rate has decreased by 35% during the problem based learning session than the relaxing time in virtual learning due to low stress level, attractive environment and visual fixation. Furthermore, results demonstrate that there is a relationship between the internal statuses of an e- Lerner with the rate of eye blinking.

Playing With Our Selves

As more of our lives are spent online, often in environments in which we interact with others through virtual characters (“avatars”), there remains a gulf between how player practices are documented and theorized, and the complex gendered identity work players actually carry out. This paper draws on a mixed-methods study of Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs), with a sample of 359 players and 659 avatars that compares male and female players with regards to two practices: selecting opposite-sexed avatars and customizing avatar appearance. Unlike other studies of MMORPG players that focus on players' customization and use of one particular avatar, this analysis is driven by a consideration of players' multiple avatars. In so doing, we demonstrate how MMORPG play is characterized by gendered practices far more nuanced than can be revealed through a “one-to-one” understanding of the identificatory practices of players and their avatars.

My Desired Self, Avatar

In computer-mediated communication (CMC) environments, users utilize their avatars as a communication channel to interact and connect with others, and they choose and create them accordingly to represent their self. As such, several major question areas arise: 1) As an extension of identity, how does a user customize his/her avatar? How is the avatar's appearance related to the avatar creator's self-concept? 2) How does avatar creation influence the avatar creator's psychological and behavioral consequences? To answer these questions, the current study leveraged a Korean social networking site, which currently provides avatars called “Minimis,” in a randomized experimental setting. This study found that the more the participants perceived their avatars to look like their desired selves, the more likely they evaluated their avatars as being attractive, credible, confident, cool, capable, and persuasive, but failed to find a significant relationship between avatar users' perceptions toward self-created avatars and their attitudes toward the social network site or ads.. The limitations and implications will be discussed.

Increasing exergame physical activity through self and opponent avatar appearance

We investigated how manipulating self and opponent avatar weight (normal vs. obese) affected people’s physical activity in real life as they played an exergame. While playing virtual tennis, female players operating a normal weight self avatar were more physically active relative to those using an obese self avatar. Participants physically exerted themselves the most when both self and opponent had normal weight avatars, implying increased physical activity when self and opponent avatars look equally fit. The study also identified conditions that discouraged physical activity (e.g., normal weight self avatar vs. an obese opponent). The findings were congruent with priming and social comparison models, and illustrated how virtual social cues can be leveraged to influence health behaviors via exergames.

Does Avatar Appearance Matter? How Team Visual Similarity and Member-Avatar Similarity Influence Virtual Team Performance

This multimethod study investigated how avatar appearance influences virtual team performance. This study is the first to integrate the framework of social identity model of de-individuation effects (SIDE) and Self-Identification theory, using morphing techniques. Results were obtained from a 2 (team visual similarity: dissimilar vs. similar team avatars)×2 (member-avatar similarity: cartoon avatars vs. avatar similar to self) experiment (N=240). The findings indicated that teams using morphed team avatars, which combined both a high degree of team visual similarity and member-avatar similarity in their appearances, performed best on the task, and showed greater social attraction than teams in the other conditions. Moreover, content analysis of the chat conversations revealed that these teams interacted more strategically and expressed a greater motivation to solve the task.

The Creation of a Theoretical Framework for Avatar Creation and Revision

Multi-User Virtual Environments (MUVE) are increasingly being used in education and provide environments where users can manipulate minute details of their avatar's appearance including those traditionally associated with gender and race identification. The ability to choose racial and gender characteristics differs from real-world educational environments and raises interesting questions regarding the applicability of previous racial and gender research findings. Specifically, do racial and gender categorizations found in traditional classroom research convey to virtual worlds where gender and race are controllable? To explore this issue research related to racial and gender characteristics in traditional and MUVEs environments is considered. Additionally, the theories of classification and mental categorization, media equation theory, equalization hypothesis, and Social Identification Model of Deindividuation Effects are examined as potential foundations of understanding. Results of two pilot studies conducted to determine associations of avatar appearance with gender and racial classifications are discussed in relation to the development of a theoretical framework. Implications for future investigations are discussed.

The role of stereotypical beliefs in gender-based activation of the Proteus effect

Informed by the Proteus effect, the current study examined the moderating effect of belief in stereotypes on the relationship between avatar appearance and user behavior, via an interactive fiction. The results of a one-factor (avatar gender: male vs. female), between-subjects experiment revealed that female avatars elicited more frequent masculine behaviors (particularly among individuals high in feminine gender stereotypes) and that male avatars elicited more frequent feminine behaviors. Conversely, self-reported gender led to stereotypic behaviors as expected. A moderating effect of awareness of the avatar’s influence on stereotypically gender-based decisions on frequency of gender-typed behavior was not found, suggesting individuals are not aware of the influence of avatars on their subsequent decisions.

A Mirror without a Tain: Personae, Avatars, and Selves in a Multi-User Virtual Environment

A Mirror without a Tain: Personae, Avatars, and Selves in a Multi-User Virtual Environment

Under Pressure: Avatar Appearance and Cognitive Load Effects on Attitudes, Trustworthiness, Bidding, and Interpersonal Distance in a Virtual Store

This study investigated how avatar appearance and cognitive load affect virtual interactions. Avatar salespeople dressed in black were perceived as unpersuasive and untrustworthy, and were offered less money compared to avatars in white clothes. Moreover, participants stood closer to avatars in white clothes compared to avatars dressed in black. Contrary to the traditional prediction (i.e., cognitively busy participants would trust avatars in white clothes the most but avatars in dark clothes the least), cognitively nonbusy participants expressed less trust towards avatar salespeople dressed in black instead of white clothes, while cognitively busy participants trusted both characters equally. The findings expanded current research on virtual social influence by considering the effects of the clothing color of virtual characters, along with how cognitive load and avatar appearance can modify perceived avatar trustworthiness when combined.

Avatar body dimensions and men's body image

Two online surveys examined the significance of the visual analogues, or ‘avatars’, men (total N=266) create and use online. Two-dimensional (adiposity×muscle) somatomorphic matrices revealed that avatars are generally thinner than their creator's actual body and similar to their ideal, but more muscular than either their actual or ideal. Men's ratings of the importance of their avatar's appearance correlated with their actual weight and muscle concerns, and disparity between their avatar and actual body dimensions predicted their offline context body change concerns additional to that accounted for by disparity between their ideal and actual bodies. Together with the observation that men also reported higher self-esteem, less social interaction anxiety and less social phobia while online (which correlated with the time they spent online), these results suggest that the physical dimensions of avatars used in social interactions online may serve a compensatory function.