Paper Number
ICIS2025-2056
Paper Type
Short
Abstract
As avatar-based platforms become central to digital interaction, understanding how users manage stigmatized identities in these environments is becoming important. Grounded in self-discrepancy and self-congruity theories, this study examines how individuals experiencing weight-based stigma navigate avatar selection in 3D virtual spaces. We identify three compensatory identity strategies: escapism (non-human avatars), symbolic self-completion (thin-body avatars), and fluid consumption (decorated avatars). With the scenario-based experiment with overweight participants, we find that individuals facing heightened weight stigma are less likely to choose idealized avatars, instead favoring avatars that align with their perceived self. Moreover, we will examine how avatar choice affects downstream outcomes such as platform engagement, avatar identification, and weight-related concerns. Our work will contribute to IS research by extending the understanding of identity management in immersive digital environments. Practically, it offers the design of avatar systems that enhance user engagement and well-being while mitigating the psychological burdens of identity-based stigma.
Recommended Citation
Han, Selena and Boghrati, Reihane, "Avatars Under Pressure: Weight-Stigma and Strategic Avatar Selection in Virtual Worlds" (2025). ICIS 2025 Proceedings. 24.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/icis2025/user_behav/user_behav/24
Avatars Under Pressure: Weight-Stigma and Strategic Avatar Selection in Virtual Worlds
As avatar-based platforms become central to digital interaction, understanding how users manage stigmatized identities in these environments is becoming important. Grounded in self-discrepancy and self-congruity theories, this study examines how individuals experiencing weight-based stigma navigate avatar selection in 3D virtual spaces. We identify three compensatory identity strategies: escapism (non-human avatars), symbolic self-completion (thin-body avatars), and fluid consumption (decorated avatars). With the scenario-based experiment with overweight participants, we find that individuals facing heightened weight stigma are less likely to choose idealized avatars, instead favoring avatars that align with their perceived self. Moreover, we will examine how avatar choice affects downstream outcomes such as platform engagement, avatar identification, and weight-related concerns. Our work will contribute to IS research by extending the understanding of identity management in immersive digital environments. Practically, it offers the design of avatar systems that enhance user engagement and well-being while mitigating the psychological burdens of identity-based stigma.
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16-UserBehavior