Utilizing the Proteus Effect to Improve Interactions using Full-Body Avatars in Virtual Reality

Abstract

Virtual Reality (VR) allows us to perceive the world through

any possible embodiment – the avatar. Behavioral changes

due to the strong bond between the user and the virtual

avatar is known as Proteus Effect. Previous work found that

the Proteus Effect occurs when characteristics of the appearance

are associated with knowledge and experiences gained

by anticipated entities or stereotypes. Based on the findings

that the Proteus Effect can trigger behavioral changes, we

hypothesize that the appearance of an avatar in VR can be

manipulated in a way that users will perform tasks better

than they would perform them using their real or any casual

embodiment. As one of the most important human behavioral

characteristics is exerting force, we are planning to

conduct a study investigating if muscular or wispy avatars

are able to change physical forces of the physical self. Our

hypothesis is that people will apply more force when they

interact in a more powerful-looking appearance. An effect

would have far-reaching consequences and implications for

the interactions with avatars in HCI and VR.