ABSTRACT

Access is by the creation of three dimensionally embodied avatars through which the human being behind the keyboard attains not only a visually tangible existence in these worlds but also has the opportunity to create entirely novel personas, indeed a whole bevy of personas if they want. Social alt avatars may equally be created with the aim of exploring the multiple 'selves' that are embedded within the psyches of their owners; so they may exhibit pronounced differences in behaviour and outlook. The appearance of the social alt avatar is especially significant when it is considered next to the appearance of the main avatar. The play of author many selves is brought about through the encounters of entities — the author's biological self, represented by the author's main avatar Alpha Auer, and four alternative virtual personas of the author's creation alt avatars, as they are known in the metaverse.