Paper Number
1918
Paper Type
Complete Research Paper
Abstract
How we present ourselves is an ongoing challenge due to the implications it holds for others’ acceptance of us and our performances in a social situation. Social media and virtual worlds afford self-presentation via user profiles and avatars. However, the modularity and generativity of the digital technologies that underlie the new incarnations of virtual worlds trending toward “the Metaverse” are both expanding the range of available affordances and creating uncertainties in self-presentations. In addition to platform affordances, VR affordances and affordances provided by worlds created by other users contribute to users’ self-presentation. This layered affordance structure introduces uncertainties for the actor engaged in self-presentation and those witnessing it. This research addresses questions about the nature of layered self-presentation affordances in metaverses and how people manage the ensuing uncertainty. Through a netnography of the VRChat platform, we provide insights into self-presentation hazards and consequent identity work in the evolving metaverse landscape.
Recommended Citation
Whang, Sun-young (Sunny) and Miranda, Shaila M., "Moments of Appropriation and Disruption: Liminality and Identity Work in the Metaverse" (2024). ECIS 2024 Proceedings. 14.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/ecis2024/track24_socialmedia/track24_socialmedia/14
Moments of Appropriation and Disruption: Liminality and Identity Work in the Metaverse
How we present ourselves is an ongoing challenge due to the implications it holds for others’ acceptance of us and our performances in a social situation. Social media and virtual worlds afford self-presentation via user profiles and avatars. However, the modularity and generativity of the digital technologies that underlie the new incarnations of virtual worlds trending toward “the Metaverse” are both expanding the range of available affordances and creating uncertainties in self-presentations. In addition to platform affordances, VR affordances and affordances provided by worlds created by other users contribute to users’ self-presentation. This layered affordance structure introduces uncertainties for the actor engaged in self-presentation and those witnessing it. This research addresses questions about the nature of layered self-presentation affordances in metaverses and how people manage the ensuing uncertainty. Through a netnography of the VRChat platform, we provide insights into self-presentation hazards and consequent identity work in the evolving metaverse landscape.
When commenting on articles, please be friendly, welcoming, respectful and abide by the AIS eLibrary Discussion Thread Code of Conduct posted here.