Parallel Session Proceedings »
5.3.4 Self-Made Identity: How Using Avatars Influences Online Behavior
An avatar is a visual representation of an individual. When participating in virtual worlds, individuals can choose to create avatars of varying races, genders, ethnicities, physiques, and social skills (Lee & Hoadley, 2006). These choices influence how other participants in the virtual world interact with the avatar. Benefits for the individual using avatars include exploring multiple facets of identity, interacting with others in ways that may not be possible in the real world, and the ability to test out different personal ethics and decision-making in a safe space. Gifted students, in particular, may benefit from using avatars in game playing and as they interact online. A major social concern regarding allowing gifted students to accelerate their studies to maintain challenge and cognitive growth is that the older students will not accept a younger person as a peer. Using an avatar allows the accelerated student to interact with others on a purely intellectual basis as the physical representation no longer matters. Further, the anonymity of using an avatar may provide a safe space for individuals to be more open regarding personal struggles. Using avatars in a course designed to build pro-social behavior and empathy towards others provides a unique experience for participants to “walk in another’s shoes” (Anderton & King, 2016). Gifted students often feel different from others (Cross & Cross, 2015). These feelings can result in unintended negative behaviors that may further isolate them socially. Combining purposeful coursework and readings along with avatar creation and interaction in a virtual world may assist gifted individuals in identifying their biases and behaviors (Anderton & King, 2016). This presentation explores the utilization of avatars in supporting gifted students. Possible uses could be: allowing more interaction with intellectual peers by reducing physical differences, developing identity awareness through roleplaying as other genders, ethnicities, and social-economic status, and increasing empathy and understanding of individuals who may be different. Presenters will share ways in which teachers and counselors could incorporate the use of avatars with gifted students.