ABSTRACT
Your avatar, no matter what manifestation you choose-human figure, fire-breathing dragon, or anime doll-is the center of your experience in the virtual world. As a human being with a self-reflective mind capable of observing your own thoughts and desires, the creation of your avatar in a virtual world gives you the opportunity to experience social relationships in new ways, physical capacities that you may not have (flying), and another perspective on self-identity/cultural identity (possibly as another gender). As you can see from Figure 12.1, the avatar is at the center of all things. As you log into the virtual world, the basic avatar geometry takes on the body shape you have modified into your own virtual representation. Your virtual body is stretched or compressed, tinted or made invisible. Meshes and objects are added to create interesting things like wings and hooves. As you rez into existence, many layers are added. First, the shell of a shape is put on, then a gender with its associated clothing and attachments, and finally the social and virtual barriers that define your visibility to others and availability for social contact.
