Does A Virtual World Avatar Have a Psyche?

Does an avatar have a ‘life’? Does it exist inside the virtual world, and outside of the person at the keyboard? Interesting questions, rather like ‘does a tree make a sound when it falls if there is no one there to hear it?’

Avatar, is a term that comes from Sanskrit for a being or God descending from a higher plane of existence, wearing an incarnate manifestation, before returning to the higher place. It is used in reference to gods, and by that definition, I guess we are all gods looking down into the virtual places, manifesting through virtual representations.

It is true, that we ascribe personalities to avatars, just as we do to cartoon characters on the screen. Yet, as with godly avatars, these are self-built creations, everyone has built them for themselves and decide upon the way they will look.

Therefore, each avatar is an expression of those persons’ hopes, dreams, imagination and usually their ‘perfect self’. I admit this is not always the case, and some have a fun time trying out different styles, however after a longer period of use, people usually settle with something they feel will reflect who they are in the real world, or who they would like to be seen as.

As you can see above – my avatar reflects how I would ‘like’ to be perceived. It is my ideal self at around 18 years of age, how I looked and dressed... with the wisdom I have now of course. Oh! not the hair - that came straight out of my imagination - and a virtual shop.

Without going to deep into the psychology of it all. Studies in psychology have shown that each of us exists in the same mindset as one another; we share common vision and common goals. We are seen in virtual worlds as we are ourselves in the real world. Even thought we think we hide our true personalities, yes even as a ‘fox’, ‘rabbit’ or man in women’s clothes, we show who we are. We are identifiable and can be matched up with the human behind the keyboard.

Personality traits, characteristics bleed through so we are never as anonymous as we think. So those who cling helplessly to their anonymity may have to get used to the fact that even though they are trying to hide their true identity – there is no hiding in virtual worlds, we give ourselves away.

What I keep going on about is treating each other with respect. Many people who use virtual worlds have come across ‘griefers’ or people trying to do harm at a psychological level.

Again, I plead for mutual respect for each individual avatar – because behind every avatar there is a vulnerable easily hurt human, and like everything else in virtual worlds emotions are amplified fivefold – what you do to someone there is five times better / worse than in the real world because people are more vulnerable as they have not typically put up their defenses that are normally in place when dealing with others face to face.

For me, the best way I deal with these things is to ask to meet people in the real world, or at least talk with them on the phone. That way I try to get a real perspective of who they actually are, without the mask of the avatar. I know that people who know me will be saying "you don't always get it right" - but I don't always get it right in my daily life either.

Finally, I have to add that I have met some delightful people and made some great friends this way...