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Avatar-mediated experience in the metaverse: The impact of avatar realism on user-avatar relationship

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  • Kim, Do Yuon
  • Lee, Ha Kyung
  • Chung, Kyunghwa

Abstract

This study aims to explore the role of avatars in mediating users with the metaverse environment. This study applies the construal level theory and source attractiveness model to understand the impact of avatar realism on the interaction between users and their avatars. Computer-simulated experiences were tested in realistic and abstract avatar conditions using serial mediation analysis. It was found that the user-avatar relationship and the intention to use the avatar were both increased by avatar realism. Specifically, psychological distance and social presence serially mediated these effects. Furthermore, the mediation of psychological distance and social presence was moderated by user familiarity with avatars. This study identifies the role of psychological distance to the user-and-avatar dyad in the metaverse by examining the multi-layered psychological mechanism behind the virtual interaction and relationship. It also provides implications for developing metaverse platforms by considering avatar characteristics and user familiarity.

Suggested Citation

  • Kim, Do Yuon & Lee, Ha Kyung & Chung, Kyunghwa, 2023. "Avatar-mediated experience in the metaverse: The impact of avatar realism on user-avatar relationship," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 73(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:joreco:v:73:y:2023:i:c:s0969698923001297
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jretconser.2023.103382
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Yang, Liang, 2024. "Metaverse Identity: Core Principles and Critical Challenges," 24th ITS Biennial Conference, Seoul 2024. New bottles for new wine: digital transformation demands new policies and strategies 302504, International Telecommunications Society (ITS).
    4. Roberto Bruni & Annarita Colamatteo & Dušan Mladenović, 2024. "How the metaverse influences marketing and competitive advantage of retailers: predictions and key marketing research priorities," Electronic Commerce Research, Springer, vol. 24(2), pages 965-982, June.
    5. Kumar, Aman & Shankar, Amit & Nayal, Preeti, 2024. "Metaverse is not my cup of tea! An investigation into how personality traits shape metaverse usage intentions," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 77(C).
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    7. Aubert, Alice H. & Schmid, Sara & Lienert, Judit, 2024. "Can online interfaces enhance learning for public decision-making? Eliciting citizens’ preferences for multicriteria decision analysis," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 314(2), pages 760-775.
    8. Mehrotra, Ankit & Agarwal, Reeti & Khalil, Ashraf & Alzeiby, Ebtesam Abdullah & Agarwal, Vaishali, 2024. "Nitty-gritties of customer experience in metaverse retailing," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 79(C).
    9. Kumar, Aman & Shankar, Amit & Agarwal, Reeti & Agarwal, Vaishali & Alzeiby, Ebtesam Abdullah, 2024. "With enterprise metaverse comes great possibilities! Understanding metaverse usage intention from an employee perspective," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 78(C).
    10. Bilgihan, Anil & Leong, Aliana Man Wai & Okumus, Fevzi & Bai, Jingyi, 2024. "Proposing a metaverse engagement model for brand development," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 78(C).
    11. Mkedder, Nadjim & Das, Manish, 2024. "Metaverse integration challenges: An in-depth ISM and MICMAC analysis," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 77(C).
    12. Dwivedi, Yogesh K. & Balakrishnan, Janarthanan & Mishra, Anubhav & Bock, Koen W. De & Al-Busaidi, Adil S., 2024. "The role of embodiment, experience, and self-image expression in creating continuance intention in the metaverse," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 203(C).
    13. Petr, Christine & Caudan, Paul, 2024. "Ethical marketing framework for metaverse simulated experiences of tourism (SET): An exploration of consumers’ aspirations and fears," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 79(C).
    14. Batat, Wided, 2024. "Phygital customer experience in the metaverse: A study of consumer sensory perception of sight, touch, sound, scent, and taste," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 78(C).
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    16. Christine Petr & Paul Caudan, 2024. "Ethical marketing framework for metaverse simulated experiences of tourism (SET): An exploration of consumers’ aspirations and fears," Post-Print hal-04554364, HAL.

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