Avatar-Mediated Communication in Video Conferencing: Effect of Self-Affirmation on Debating Participation Focusing on Moderation Effect of Avatar

Abstract

The online environment for video conferencing lacks cues compared to offline, so one can hear the interlocutor's criticism more sensitively, and the fear of presenting in front of the camera can hinder participation in the meeting. It is known that interface design affords a role in improving public speaking and has a possibility of changing user behavior. To examine how the interface design of video conferencing affects video debating participation, 2 (visual anonymity: avatar vs. face) × 2 (self-affirmation vs. no self-affirmation) between-subjects experiment was conducted. Results showed that using an avatar, when properly used together with self-affirmation, has a positive effect on active participation in discussions, but derogating others’ critical messages. These results indicate unique underlying mechanisms of the effects of the avatar; the deindividuation effect of visual anonymity, and the effects of improving participation when customizing self-value reflected avatars.

Acknowledgement

This research was supported by the MSIT (Ministry of Science and ICT), Korea, under the ITRC (Information Technology Research Center) support program (IITP-2021-0-02051) supervised by the IITP (Institute for Information & Communications Technology Planning & Evaluation).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Inyoung Park

Inyoung Park received her Ph.D. from the Department of Interaction Science in Sungkyunkwan University. She is now a research assistant professor in Research Institute for Information and Communication at Ajou University. Her research interests include human-computer interaction, computer-mediated communication and behavioral effects of media technologies.

Young June Sah

Young June Sah is an Assistant Professor in School of Media, Arts, and Science, at Sogang University. His research interests include psychological and behavioral effects of media technologies and their cognitive mechanisms.

Suhyun Lee

Suhyun Lee is a software engineer at Hyperconnect, Korea. His research interests lie in immersive interaction and user experience for virtual Reality (VR) systems. He received B.S. and M.S. degree from the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Seoul National University, Korea.

Daeho Lee

Daeho Lee an associate professor at the Department of Interaction Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Korea. His research interests include the adoption of new ICT products & services, government policies in the area of ICT, and consumer behavior in online.