A virtual safe space? An approach of intersectionality and social identity to behavior in virtual environments
Citation:
Kata Szita, A virtual safe space? An approach of intersectionality and social identity to behavior in virtual environments, Journal of Digital Social Research, 4, 2, 2022Download Item:
Abstract:
Health measures in response to the Covid-19 pandemic have confined
millions to their homes and minimized social contacts. During this period, a
significant proportion of social activities—including work, education, and
recreation—moved to digital media platforms. Among these platforms, social
virtual reality (VR) has gained importance offering “alternative” realities in
which users can engage with others, participate in cultural and sports events,
complete education-related activities, and (mental) health treatments, to
name but a few functions. With the increasing popularity of social VR and the
expanding range of activities these platforms can host, hitherto-unexplored
questions arise regarding social interactions and the representation of virtual
bodies. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to outline a potential
framework for assessing how avatars that represent various body types and
demographic characteristics, such as gender or ethnicity, may impact
behaviors and identity. The paper presents a theoretical study that combines
social identity theory and theories of intersectionality and applies them to the
case of digitally created human-like bodies. By doing this, it illuminates the
challenges and benefits virtual reality platforms and digital body
representations hold—including remote social interactions due to social
isolation and social dynamics based on online personas.
Sponsor
Grant Number
European Research Council (ERC)
945447
Author's Homepage:
http://people.tcd.ie/szitakDescription:
PUBLISHED
Author: Szita, Kata
Type of material:
Journal ArticleCollections
Series/Report no:
Journal of Digital Social Research4
2
Availability:
Full text availableSubject (TCD):
Creative Arts Practice , Creative Technologies , Digital Engagement , Inclusive Society , Telecommunications , Embodiment , Extended Reality , Intersectionality , Social Identity , Virtual Reality , avatars , social virtual realityISSN:
2003-1998Metadata
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