Avatars and Their Reflection of Reality

The author of “Avatars, Second Life, & New Media Art,” defines an avatar as “a version of self that exists ‘within’ the interface.” I think this extremely broad definition can be used in a plethora of situation. For example, “a version of self” could imply something that is fairly representational of the self or something that might been just vaugely similarity. The author doesn’t actually define how close in relation this version needs to be. While I understand the need for this flexibility in defining what is essentially an abstract topic, it also seems to be noncommital for the sake of making the theory unable to be disaproved. It would be possible to argue that on some level virtually anything could respresent some version of self in a some way if the person simply identifies with the object. Does my driver’s license serve as an avatar simply because it’s a photo of me (a verion of self) that exists “within the interface” of my license (or the interface of the government)? Does my name serve as an avatar as well then? If someone would like to answer these question for me please be my guest.

Avatars & Identity

In the article “Avatars, Second Life, & New Media Art,” the author makes connections between avatars and a person’s identity in the real world. He defines an avatar as “a version of self that exists ‘within’ the interface.” People are designing their 3D selves the way that they wish to be pictured in real life… their body type, hair color, clothes, etc. Many people have multiple identities online, thus living out any personas that they have in mind, allowing them to “open the flow of identity.” Not only are technological aspects of Second Life discussed, but the cultural significance behind it all.

While I look at online identities as a way of having fun and breaking away from the real world, after reading this article I feel like I have a deeper understanding for the attraction that people have to these online interactive worlds. If one were to do a study based on identity through online avatars, I think that the information retrieved would be very interesting. I would expect that many individuals use Second Life as a way to “escape” from the pressures of the real world to live like they picture their dream life. This cultural interface is redeveloping the way humans interact with one another, thus creating a whole new medium of art, communication, and creativity.