Research
“Avatars, or visual, on-screen
representations of users, are a common element of online environments that
facilitate or allow social interaction. Past research has found that avatars in
immersive virtual environments can contribute to a sense of emotional
involvement”. There have been great research studies exploring the idea that
avatars can contribute to feelings of emotional connectedness in interactions
online.
Findings
I’ve actually done a test with
avatars in the workplace using a tool that helped two teams that worked
remotely interact with each other. I added a few items that had an avatar
associated, and quickly realized that these were the items that received either
the most responses; or they were viewed more. I believe that the use of avatars
truly helped people feel more engaged to the post or the item. Because they can
see directly who they are speaking to or interacting with, they are more
compelled to provide insight as well. My article actually shows that avatars
actually generate emotional involvement in online communication, and that users
exhibited strong preferences for avatars than those without.
Results
In asynchronous communication,
there is consistent evidene that avatars will generate the sense of emotional
involvement. Rather, the actual representation of a human being behind some of
these blog posts or software tools gives readers a stronger sense that they are
in fact communicated with a person, which leads them to help or respond.
Additionally, the use of avatars improves the effectiveness of a site, such as
online learning. Even though I don’t have an avatar up, I do feel like I am
communicated more effectively with someone and I can put a face to a name.
Reference:
CyberPsychology, Behavior and
Social Networking. April 1, 2011.
2 comments:
It is pretty interesting information about avatars and the studied performed
I personally believe that adding an avatars will make communication more efficient. I am a online learner and before I start a class I usually call the professors cell phone so I can here there voice. It allows me to make an connection with the professor. And when I can hear their voice I can image hearing them when I read a post that has been presented by the professor.
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