Entering the realm of virtual environments we are posed by millions of online identities also known as "Avatars." Avatar - you may immediately ask the blue alien like creature from the James Cameron hit Blockbuster? Well yes and no an Avatar is an online identity a personalised character representing them in their virtual world.
According to Cooper (2007) the ability to communicate more freely is one of the main attractions of virtual communication. “On the one hand participants feel more able to express themselves away from the immediate judgement of personal appearance and status. On the other, are they talking to other people or just their online persona? Do people act differently online and offline?” (Cooper, 2007). Cooper points out two notable questions and queries which I put to the test. This week I created my very own Avatar using Meez a social entertainment leader combining avatars, web games and virtual worlds.
I constructed two avatars in a social and professional surrounding. With Cooper’s theory in mind, these questions were brought to my attention.
Are there substantial differences between my professional and social avatars?
The only significant difference between both my Avatars are dress; business dress opposed to casual attire.
To what extent do my avatars represent my ideal self?
I don’t think that either of my Avatars represents my ideal self. I found it difficult to personalise my Avatar looking similar to my own appearance. The soft ware was pretty straight forward – being half Asian I couldn’t find features that best represented mine so I found this difficult.
How conscious am I of wanting to manage the impression that I would make with the social avatar?
I found this interesting as when creating my social Avatar I was aware that other people would be judging my Avatar and I wanted to make an Avatar that was true to my own self in a way that was likeable to other online identities.
Reference list
Cooper, R. (2007) Alter Ego: Avatars and their Creators.(accessed March 12, 2010).
Kirby, J. And P. Marsden. 2005. Conclusion: the Future of Connected Marketing in
Connected Marketing: The Viral, Buzz and Word of Mouth Revolution. Burlington: Butterworth-Heinemann: 267-274.(accessed March 12, 2010).
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