“Users want their identity within a virtual community to replace their physical body and to control the degree to which they disclose themselves over the computer.”

Hmmm, what would I look like if I could change my appearance to whoever I wanted? Would that new look bring out my “inner” personality? Would I be embarrassed if I saw someone I knew?

The use of avatars in computer mediated communication is growing. A 2003 study discussed the difference in avatar characteristics used in Internet relay chat (IRC) and instant messaging (IM). In IRC communication, users don’t normally know the other users who they are communicating with. With IM, users typically know each other. The study shows the differences in how users set up their avatars in these two situations.

If my avatar is anonymous, I’d probably express myself in a totally different way than if you knew who I was. It might be interesting to set up that anonymous avatar just to see what transpires. Would it bring something out that I didn’t know I had in me? How would it differ from one I would set up to be used with people I know? Your thoughts?

Kang, H., & Yang, H. (2006). The visual characteristics of avatars in computer-mediated communication: Comparison of Internet Relay Chat and Instant Messenger as of 2003. International Journal of Human-Computer Studies,. 64(12),1173-1183