Avatars and computer-mediated communication: a review of the definitions, uses, and effects of digital representations

Abstract: Avatars are growing in popularity and present in many interfaces used for computer-mediated communication (CMC) including social media, e-commerce, and education. Communication researchers have been investigating avatars for over twenty years, and an examination of this literature reveals similarities but also notable discrepancies in conceptual definitions. The goal of this review is to provide a general overview of current debates, methodological approaches, and trends in findings. Our review synthesizes previous research in four areas. First, we examine how scholars have conceptualized the term “avatar,” identify similarities and differences across these definitions, and recommend that scholars use the term consistently. Next, we review theoretical perspectives relevant to avatar perception (e.g., the computers as social actors framework). Then, we examine avatar characteristics that communicators use to discern the humanity and social potential of an avatar (anthropomorphism, f

Standort
Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Frankfurt am Main
Umfang
Online-Ressource
Sprache
Englisch
Anmerkungen
Veröffentlichungsversion
begutachtet (peer reviewed)
In: Review of Communication Research ; 6 (2018) ; 30-53

Ereignis
Veröffentlichung
(wo)
Mannheim
(wann)
2018
Urheber
Nowak, Kristine L.
Fox, Jesse

DOI
10.12840/issn.2255-4165.2018.06.01.015
URN
urn:nbn:de:0168-ssoar-55777-7
Rechteinformation
Open Access; Open Access; Der Zugriff auf das Objekt ist unbeschränkt möglich.
Letzte Aktualisierung
25.03.2025, 13:53 MEZ

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Beteiligte

  • Nowak, Kristine L.
  • Fox, Jesse

Entstanden

  • 2018

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