The Effects of Avatar Similarity on Uncertainty Reduction Among Older Adults

• In Event: Interacting with Robots and Agents

Abstract

This study examined how avatars similarity affect uncertainty reduction in initial online interactions. Previous studies have found that one’s self avatar and others’ avatars may prime behaviors consistent with characteristics of the avatars. We argue that in addition to assessing one’s own avatar and others avatar, in social interactions, people assess avatars in relation to other avatars. Similarity reduces uncertainty which promotes disclosure and identification. We conducted a 2 (self avatar: old vs. young) x 2 (partner’s avatar: old vs. young) experiment with 95 older-adult participants aged 60 and above. The findings showed that the participants’ avatar or their interaction partner’s avatar’s age did not prime age-related behavior. However, there was an interaction effect, participants disclosed more information when their avatar’s age matched their partner’s avatar’s age. They also identified with their interaction partners more when the avatars’ had similar age appearances.

Authors

• Yu-Hao Lee, U of Florida

• Min Xiao, U of Florida

• Robert H Wells, U of Florida