Chapter IICharting the Course:
Research Objectives and Questions
Examine User Perceptions of Embodiment
Explore Social Interactions and Dynamics
Investigate Emotional and Psychological Experiences
Track Changes Over Time
Understand the Role of Context
Capture Personal Narratives and Stories
Contribute to Academic and Practical Knowledge
*** Research Question/ Design Question
How do users experience and express digital embodiment in a virtual environment, specifically within the context of a single island world in the game VRChat over the course of one month?
1. Examine User Perceptions of Embodiment
Investigate how users perceive their sense of self and identity when using digital avatars in VRChat.
Understand the factors that influence these perceptions, such as avatar customization and interactions with other users.
2. Explore Social Interactions and Dynamics
Analyze how users interact with each other within the island world and the social norms that emerge in this virtual space.
Identify the role of digital avatars in facilitating or hindering social connections and community building.
3. Investigate Emotional and Psychological Experiences
Assess the emotional and psychological impacts of prolonged immersion in VRChat, focusing on aspects like presence, engagement, and emotional attachment to avatars.
Explore how users manage the boundary between virtual experiences and real-life emotions.
4.
Track Changes Over Time
Document how users’ experiences and perceptions of digital embodiment evolve over the one-month period.
Identify any significant changes in behavior, social interactions, or self-perception as users become more familiar with the virtual environment.
5.
Understand the Role of Context
Explore how the specific setting of the world influences user experiences of embodiment compared to other virtual environments in VRChat.
Analyze the importance of environmental factors, such as aesthetics, layout, and interactivity, in shaping users' virtual experiences.
6.
Capture Personal Narratives and Stories
Collect and present individual stories and experiences of users to highlight the diversity of digital embodiment in VRChat.
Use these narratives to illustrate broader themes and insights about virtual identity and interaction.
7.
Contribute to Academic and Practical Knowledge
Provide insights that contribute to the academic understanding of digital embodiment, virtual identities, and online social interactions.
Offer practical recommendations for VR developers, designers, and policymakers to enhance user experiences and well-being in virtual environments.