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
- Location
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Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Frankfurt am Main
- Extent
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Online-Ressource
- Language
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Englisch
- Notes
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Veröffentlichungsversion
begutachtet (peer reviewed)
In: Review of Communication Research ; 6 (2018) ; 30-53
- Event
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Veröffentlichung
- (where)
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Mannheim
- (when)
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2018
- Creator
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Nowak, Kristine L.
Fox, Jesse
- DOI
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10.12840/issn.2255-4165.2018.06.01.015
- URN
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urn:nbn:de:0168-ssoar-55777-7
- Rights
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Open Access; Open Access; Der Zugriff auf das Objekt ist unbeschränkt möglich.
- Last update
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25.03.2025, 1:53 PM CET
Data provider
Deutsche Nationalbibliothek. If you have any questions about the object, please contact the data provider.
Associated
- Nowak, Kristine L.
- Fox, Jesse
Time of origin
- 2018
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