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Abstract

The present work examines why some studies of the Proteus effect—the phenomenon that people tend to conform behaviorally and attitudinally to their avatars’ identity characteristics—facilitate the phenomenon more effectively than others. A previous meta-analysis of the Proteus effect (Ratan et al., 2020) failed to examine potentially notable moderating factors of the phenomenon, so we examine such factors through a meta-analysis of the 56 quantitative experimental Proteus effect studies published at the time of this analysis. Studies that utilized virtual reality technology (e.g., head-mounted displays) elicited stronger effect sizes than those that utilized flat screens, as hypothesized. No support was found for the hypothesis that effect sizes differ by software type utilized (commercial or custom-built). We offer suggestions for future research into the Proteus effect, and how to best examine possible variables of the phenomenon.

Highlights

• Zoom fatigue is associated with a greater appreciation for avatar customization in the future of the virtual workplace.

• People of color exhibited a stronger preference for avatar customization in the virtual workplace compared to Whites.

• The inclination to purchase in-game items forecasts future behaviors of customizing avatars in a professional environment.

• Customizing avatars in the virtual workplace reflects motivations for impression management and strategic self-presentation.

Abstract

Virtual economies with 3D assets have been studied for decades, often in the context of entertainment, but the concept of the metaverse as a workplace platform has only recently begun to take hold. This research addresses a gap in our understanding of how the enhanced ability for impression management in the metaverse workplace may relate to worker well-being and equity. We explore how demographics and previous virtual meeting (VM) experiences relate to people's valuation of self-presentation in the metaverse, reflected by willingness to pay for avatar customizations in a work context. Survey responses from a general population of adults (n = 553) suggest that the valuation of avatar customization in the metaverse workplace was predicted by VM fatigue, gamers' propensity to purchase virtual items, and demographics. People of color and women exhibited higher intentions to purchase avatar customization in the metaverse workplace. These results support the reasoning that the demand for impression management in the metaverse workplace will likely motivate avatar customization, and that gamers are likely to be the early adopters of paid avatar customization options in the non-game metaverse. This study contributes to an understanding of the role avatar customization has for a self-presentation strategy to meet norms in the future metaverse workplace. We discuss implications of VM fatigue and self-presentation concerns from the perspective of an equitable avatar-mediated workplace.

Abstract
Concerns about the detrimental effects of screen time on adolescents’ academic achievement are widespread. However, this perspective often overlooks the potential educational benefits of online leisure time, and gender differences in online and offline activities.

We examine the relationship between digital media use (social media, video games, etc.), digital skills, and standardized test scores (SAT) in a sample of 2,582 students in grades 8-11. Using path analysis, we find a compensatory mechanism. Like unstructured time spent in-person with peers, time spent on social media has a small, negative, direct relationship to academic achievement. However, unlike time spent in-person, digital activities offset the small, negative relationship to achievement with a larger, positive, indirect relationship through digital skills. Notably, boys benefit more than girls in reading and writing from unstructured digital media use, with little difference in math. This potentially mitigates some gender-based achievement gaps. Gender differences are tied to media preferences and the relationship between different digital activities and different digital skills.

These findings challenge the simplistic view that unstructured leisure time spent on digital media is inherently harmful or unproductive. We underscore the need for shifts in policy and parenting practices to recognize the benefits of casual leisure and unstructured time with peers, both online and offline, for learning and development.

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