自己呈示手段としての自己アバタの作成方略に関する基礎的研究

抄録

The process of manipulating the image that others have of oneself by some means is called self-presentation. Self-presentation in real space has been based on the assumption that one’s “one and only body” is the basis of self-presentation, but in virtual space, it is possible to completely free oneself from the constraints of reality by using an avatar as a substitute for oneself. The purpose of this study is to clarify what strategies are used in the creation of avatars, and to what extent the self-presentation image held in real space is projected onto the avatar. We conducted an experiment in which 30 participants (14 males and 16 females) were asked to create their avatars. The results revealed that the three central strategies were the ideal self-actualization strategy, which involves creating an ideal avatar; the reality self-projection strategy, which involves projecting the real self; and the likability acquisition strategy, which involves creating an avatar that others will like. We also found that the self-presentation images held in real space were also projected onto avatars, and were found to be influenced by personal attributes in real space, such as gender and desire for approval. The avatars created by the task setting of this study can be considered entry models for self-avatars and are expected to contribute in the future to psychological counseling situations and support situations related to identity formation and development.