Digital identities – overcoming visual bias through virtual embodiment

ABSTRACT

This study sheds new light on the role of identity in virtual environments when virtual representation of self is in support of disabled individuals and the potential impact of their virtual identity on work opportunities. It is widely understood that individuals who live with disability often experience a lifetime of bullying, exclusion, marginalization and rejection. They often experience workplace bias and discrimination. Yet, when they can create an identity and experience embodiment in virtual environments, the results can be extraordinarily powerful – even life-changing. This research builds on nearly a decade of ethnographic research in 3D online immersive social virtual worlds; seven of those years working with disability communities to answer the following: RQ1: In a virtual world where one can choose any avatar form, how does that visual sense of self-representation influence one’s ability to gain access to a social network, to be a leader in that network, and to find work? RQ2: How does realism in representation influence work experiences in these digital worlds? The results reveal the importance of choice in online representation of avatars in creating work and online social engagement. Implications contribute to our understanding of visual bias in the workplace and how emerging virtual reality technologies may open new avenues for meaningful work and social interactions for people with disabilities.

KEYWORDS:

• Avatar identity
• virtual worlds
• disability
• embodiment
• ability diverse

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes on contributors

Donna Z. Davis is the director of the Strategic Communication Master's Program at the University of Oregon in Portland. Her research focuses on the development of community and relationships in virtual environments and other emerging social media. Her work, funded through the National Science Foundation, looks at embodiment and digital social capital formed among disability communities in the 3-D virtual world where individuals are able to represent themselves as they choose and are able to work, play and socialize regardless of their ability or disability.

Karikarn Chansiri is originally from Thailand and has a BS from Prince of Songkla University and an MA from Birmingham City University. She joined the PhD program after spending a year in the media studies master's program. Her research interests are in media and global crises, international and intercultural communication, communication for social change, media and Asian cultures, media and social justice, journalism history, participatory journalism and new media.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant number 1459374.