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Exploring gender expression and identity in virtual reality : The interplay of avatars, role-adoption, and social interaction in VRChat

This study examines the complex relationship between gender, virtual reality (VR), and social interaction within the context of full-body tracking (FBT) technology in social VR platforms. As VR technology advances and becomes increasingly integrated into users’ lives, understanding the implications of gender expression and perception in these immersive environments is crucial. Utilizing unobtrusive observations and interviews within the VRChat platform, this research explores avatar choices, interactions, and FBT technology utilization as they relate to users’ expressions and perceptions of gender. The findings reveal that cultural background plays a significant role in shaping users’ gender expressions and perceptions in social VR. The study also demonstrates the fluidity of gender expression in virtual environments, highlighting how users can challenge and subvert traditional gender norms, and the potential of virtual reality as a tool for experiential learning, fostering cross-cultural understanding, and promoting inclusive and diverse gender expressions. This study contributes to the emerging body of literature on virtual reality and gender, providing insights that can inform future research and technology development in the field.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:UPSALLA1/oai:DiVA.org:uu-504082
Date January 2023
CreatorsZhang, Jingyi
PublisherUppsala universitet, Institutionen för speldesign
Source SetsDiVA Archive at Upsalla University
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeStudent thesis, info:eu-repo/semantics/bachelorThesis, text
Formatapplication/pdf
Rightsinfo:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess

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