Using Avatars to Modify Behaviour
Greetings!
Many (most?) people associate avatars with game characters however research is revealing other uses for these digital representations of our selves. Researchers have been actively investigating the potential for using avatars to support theories which suggest that online behaviour (avatar use) affects offline behaviour.
Researchers at Stanford University recently conducted a study that utilised the connection many people feel to their avatars coupled with the power of visualisation, to test the effectiveness of using avatars to initiate and reinforce behavioural changes . The research, described as ‘weight loss with a mirrored, optimal-self avatar through vicarious reinforcement’ revealed a tendency for people to physically exercise more often in real-life after they had seen their avatar exercising online (1). While this might seem a little Machiavellian to some, consider the possible applications for treating obesity. Conversely, research has been conducted using avatars as a tool to assist in repairing the fractured body image of people with eating disorders (2).
Using avatars to encourage ‘perspective taking’ through online role-playing activities has also produced positive outcomes. Research findings from an activity that placed young people in a role-play situation as an ‘elderly’ avatar demonstrated a reduction in stereotyping.
Although the use of virtual reality technology is not new, the rich graphics, the availability of online virtual environments, and tools that enable user created content are resulting in great leaps forward in understanding and using these digital representations of the self to affect positive outcomes in many areas of mental health.
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http://www.virtualworldsnews.com/2008/04/npr-on-the-stan.html
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Riva, G., Bacchetta, M., Baruffe, M., et al. (1998). Experiential cognitive therapy: a VR based approach for the assessment and treatment of eating disorders. Studies in Health Technology and Informatics 58:120–135.
