The age of avatar representation

by Alexander Sliwinski { Dec 2nd 2006 at 2:30PM }

Dr. Sonja Baumer of the University of California at San Diego works in the Laboratory of Comparative Human Cognition and has noticed that age groups choose their avatars differently. Her thoughts are based on "developmental theories, still 'under construction' and yet to be systematically examined." But she's a PhD, so we'll go ahead and talk about her thoughts.

Children and tween identity is "encoded" for the most part through physical appearance. So they spend the most time and emotional investment into choosing the exact look of an avatar. They must be one with their avatar and have it represent them. This certainly brings up some good realms of study on how a child or tween self-identifies.

Adult identity is "encoded" through symbolic action. For adults it's not so much about how they look, but what they do. The man makes the clothes, the clothes don't make the man.

For teenagers and young adults both physical and symbolic ways are relevant. "However, due to the design limitations of most visual chatrooms, there is an imbalance between the 'flatness' of avatars' representation and the sophisticated self representation through symbolic action." Meaning teenagers are confused and don't know what they want, which is what being a teenager is all about.

It would be interesting to see if these ideas are applicable 20 years from now. Most adults now didn't grow up with the possibility of an avatar representing them in a virtual world, which might explain the disinterest. If business is eventually conducted using avatars in a virtual space to save on travel time, then adults will certainly believe the clothes make the man.

[via Raph Koster]

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Brian (the REAL Brian) @ Dec 2nd 2006 2:44PM

Firstly, no one cares.

Secondly... why on earth are you digging up these articles and posting them here?

Scott @ Dec 2nd 2006 3:00PM

Brian, why are you a pessimisitic dick?

Lord_Satorious @ Dec 2nd 2006 3:05PM

I found it interesting. I'm a male, mid-twenties, and my Xbox Live gamer picture is the Helena from "Dead or Alive 4" one that comes with the system. What does that say about me?

artist-illustrator @ Dec 2nd 2006 7:07PM

im 25, i use a self portrait :)

inlogic @ Dec 3rd 2006 8:54AM

@1. Brian (the REAL Brian)

Firstly I do find it interesting, and you don't represent everyone.

Secondly... It does has something about games, just use a litle of your brain thinking on that.

Oh and Thirdly, this is a blog not a magazine and you ain't paying for it nor anyone's forcing you to see it.

korobeiniki @ Dec 2nd 2006 3:28PM

A good virtual chat program is The palace, at www.thepalace.com . The site has the software and a good directory of chat rooms, or palaces able to visit. Hundreds of chat rooms for nearly every interest ever.

Brian (the REAL Brian) @ Dec 2nd 2006 6:30PM

@ Scott

So people like you have something to bitch about.

Mephistopheles @ Dec 2nd 2006 9:10PM

Most people just use a picture they like that fits the size requirement with little thought to how that picture represents them.

Abscissa @ Dec 2nd 2006 11:32PM

"Tween"? It's called "preteen". Why the hell do people have to keep trying to reinvent words we already have? Maybe they think real words aren't trendy enough?

Chris @ Dec 3rd 2006 1:20AM

First, the REAL Brian needs to REALize that he shouldn't be asking for so much attention. It could be hazardous to his health irl.

Second, this goes way beyond the avatars. Though significant, the avatar designs are just the tip of the iceberg. People can live two completely different lives: real-life, and the ideal life, the MMORPGs. Imo, it will become a very important discussion as MMORPGs, and yes even internet culture, become more prevalent in our society; and when the educated people in our world learn to take young peoples' activity on the internet more seriously than it is now. ie, when the "grown-ups" learn to get a clue!