Emotion, anthropomorphism, realism, control: Validation of a merged metric for playeravatar interaction (PAX)
Historically, playeravatar relations have been examined as parasocial. Emerging research suggests variable relations: non-social to parasocial to social. A 15-item merged metric of playeravatar interaction (PAX) was developed, validated. PAX integrates para/social dimensions: emotion, anthropomorphism, realism, control. Construct/predictive validity tests for two large samples support the metric's utility.
anthropomorphism avatars massively multiplayer online games social interaction parasocial interaction identification