Paper Type

ERF

Abstract

Metaverse meetings have emerged as a new approach to facilitate creative teamwork. However, prior research on metaverse meetings mostly views them as new communication mediums, and little is known about how hyper-realistic avatar design impacts individual open-mindedness. In practice, avatars can be customized to either mirror the real world with realistic avatars or reflect the alternate virtual world with idealized avatars. Combining self-discrepancy and performing theories, we propose that the mechanisms of role performing are what differentiate avatar interactions from real-face interactions. By conceptualizing the metaverse as an acting stage, we also identify how standpoint settings complement the effects of avatars through different perspective taking. A controlled laboratory experiment is scheduled to test the research model. This paper can provide a comprehensive understanding of the impacts of realistic and different levels of idealized avatars on individual open-mindedness and offer guidance on metaverse design and usage in enhancing more open mindsets.

Paper Number

2396

Author Connect URL

https://authorconnect.aisnet.org/conferences/AMCIS2025/papers/2396

Comments

VCC

Author Connect Link

Share

COinS
 
Aug 15th, 12:00 AM

From Authenticity to Masked Performing: The Effects of Avatar Setting on Open-mindedness

Metaverse meetings have emerged as a new approach to facilitate creative teamwork. However, prior research on metaverse meetings mostly views them as new communication mediums, and little is known about how hyper-realistic avatar design impacts individual open-mindedness. In practice, avatars can be customized to either mirror the real world with realistic avatars or reflect the alternate virtual world with idealized avatars. Combining self-discrepancy and performing theories, we propose that the mechanisms of role performing are what differentiate avatar interactions from real-face interactions. By conceptualizing the metaverse as an acting stage, we also identify how standpoint settings complement the effects of avatars through different perspective taking. A controlled laboratory experiment is scheduled to test the research model. This paper can provide a comprehensive understanding of the impacts of realistic and different levels of idealized avatars on individual open-mindedness and offer guidance on metaverse design and usage in enhancing more open mindsets.

When commenting on articles, please be friendly, welcoming, respectful and abide by the AIS eLibrary Discussion Thread Code of Conduct posted here.