3
THURSDAY, 11/3
What is an avatar?
VALILOVA
How, in Valilova's opinion, is the Internet different from other forms of media?
2
Studies that show that increasingly, Internet users prefer using their real data for online profiles rather than using a constructed identity.
Why do you think this is the case?
3
Given the preference for using their real data in online profiles, why then, do so many Internet users choosing "monstrous" avatars to visually represent themselves?
4
Avatars
What is an "avatar"?
Reading Response
Questions
Valilova concludes that while all media presents itself as a “mirror of reality”, the Internet is “different” from other forms such as television. What qualities does she believe sets it apart?
2
PART 1
I will show you a series of avatars
created by actual online users.
Make a prediction about the identity of each creator. What do you imagine they look like in real life?
You might also speculate on their age and gender.
Who are You?
Part 2: Reflections
Part 2
How accurate were your predictions?
Did any of the reveals surprise you?
What clues or assumptions influenced your predictions?
Part 3:
Why do you suppose people often choose avatars that do not accurately reflect their real life personas?
Part 3
"The Psychology of Player Avatars"