Infinite Reality: Revealing the Blueprints of our Virtual Lives | Jeremy Bailenson | Talks at Google

TL;DR

Avatars in virtual reality can have a significant impact on human behavior, changing everything from social interactions to attitudes and beliefs.

Transcript

Jeremy Bailenson: Thank you for hosting and it's an absolute pleasure to be here. I've lived in Mountain View for about eight years now and have been walking my dogs in this neighborhood for quite some time. Obviously you're at the center of the technology universe and I'm just excited to be here and to share my work with you. And so, I'm a prof... Read More

Key Insights

• ✊ Avatars in virtual reality have the power to transform social interactions and influence behavior.
• 🥺 Avatars can change how individuals perceive themselves, leading to shifts in behavior and attitudes.
• 🥡 Ethical considerations should be taken into account when using avatars, as they can potentially deceive or manipulate individuals.

Questions & Answers

Q: How can avatars influence social interactions?

Virtual reality allows for transformed social interaction, where the rules of face-to-face interactions are thrown out the window. Avatars can be strategically transformed to accomplish conversational goals, leading to more positive social interactions.

Q: Can avatars change personal beliefs and attitudes?

Yes, avatars can have a significant impact on attitudes and beliefs. Studies have shown that avatars can increase empathy, change racial biases, and even influence environmental behaviors.

Q: Are there any limitations to the effectiveness of avatars in changing behavior?

While avatars have been shown to be powerful in changing behavior, there are limitations. Some individuals may be aware of the deception or manipulation involved, and as people become more familiar with avatars, their effectiveness may decrease.

Q: How do avatars influence self-perception?

Avatars can alter how individuals perceive themselves, including their attractiveness, height, or even their future selves. This can lead to changes in behavior and attitudes based on the self-image created by the avatar.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Avatars in virtual reality have the ability to change human behavior by altering social interactions and influencing attitudes and beliefs.

• Studies have shown that avatars can change how people perceive themselves and others, leading to changes in behavior such as increased exercise, more environmentally-friendly actions, and improved social interactions.

• Avatars can also impact how people view themselves, influencing self-perception and even future goals and aspirations.

• However, there are ethical considerations to be aware of when using avatars, as they can potentially deceive or manipulate individuals.