Abstract
This article introduces the novel model of "virtual identity discrepancy" as an investigative framework for computer-mediated self-representation and interpersonal communication in avatar-based virtual environments (VEs). Study 1 examined the roles of virtual self-discrepancy and self-presence in intrapersonal virtual identity construction. Study 2 explored the roles of virtual other-discrepancy, social presence, expectancy violation, and uncertainty reduction in animated avatar-to-avatar (AtA) virtual social interaction. Mediation analyses following a bootstrapping procedure indicated that self-presence mediates the relationship between virtual self-discrepancy and flow while social presence mediates the relationship between virtual other-discrepancy and flow. Furthermore, expectancy violation mediates the relationship between self-disclosure and trust in text-based chatting while uncertainty reduction mediates the relationship between nonverbal immediacy and flow in nonverbal communication between avatars.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 2160-2168 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Computers in Human Behavior |
Volume | 28 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Nov 2012 |
Keywords
- Avatars
- Flow
- Possible selves
- Self-discrepancy
- Virtual identity
- Virtual self
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous)
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Psychology(all)