Proteus effect

The Proteus effect is an effect that appears when the behavior of an individual conforms to their digital self-representation.

The Proteus effect holds that one's identity presentation changes based on their online avatar. The concept takes its name from the Greek god Proteus, who is notable for being the origin of the adjective protean—the ability to take on many different self representations.[1] This term has been used to describe the actions one pursues while online, where the avatar is not simply a mask that is worn; it is one's entire self representation.[1] Behind an avatar, a person may act in a manner vastly different than they do in real life.

For example: A person may choose an attractive avatar in a virtual reality game, and subsequently presents a more confident personality through their avatar in that game. However, this behavior only occurs when the person is acting through that avatar. The Proteus effect does not denote a change in behavior in real life.

The Proteus Effect has been used to help people change addictive behaviors[2], and lose weight[3].

References

  1. ^ a b Yee, Nick; Jeremy Bailenson (2007). "The Proteus Effect: The Effect of Transformed Self-Representation on Behavior". Human Communication Research 33: 271–90. 
  2. ^ "Treatment center gets $865,000 for OpenSim project". http://www.hypergridbusiness.com/2010/10/treatment-center-gets-865000-for-second-opensim-project. 
  3. ^ "How Club One lowers your weight and BP virtually". http://www.hypergridbusiness.com/2010/09/how-club-one-lowers-your-weight-and-blood-pressure-virtually. 

Further reading