This study analyzed 312 avatars used by adolescents in 5 general chatrooms to understand how gender is represented. Most avatars were humanoid (92.3%), with 46.2% female and 32.1% male. Female avatars commonly featured coy gazes (75%), exaggerated features (36.8%), and revealing clothing (50%). Male avatars commonly depicted baggy clothing (35%), obscured eyes (33%), and action figures or weapons (40%). Both genders used combination avatars. Unknown gender and non-human avatars mirrored male categories. The findings suggest avatars represent ritualized gender roles and ideals, with females emphasizing submission and males emphasizing masculinity and anonymity.

1. Avatars in Adolescent Chat Spaces Lois Ann Scheidt School of Library and Information Science Indiana University

2. Avatars – What are they?

3. Research Questions What types of avatars do adolescents use in graphical chat spaces? How is gender represented in these avatars?

4. Methodology – General Chat Room The chat site chosen consists of 180+ chatrooms. 24 chatrooms designated for General Chat and populated by adolescents. Each room had a capacity of 30 participants. The total General Chat participation regularly exceeds 200 participants.

5. Methodology – Chatroom Selection Five General Chatrooms were selected for this study based on: The consistent use of avatars. Regularity of five or more participants around the clock.

6. Methodology – Data Collection The day was divided into 4 time blocks. Data was collected in 1 hour increments. 2 hours of data was collected in each time block. Individual avatars were collected and saved for analysis.

7. Methodology - Analysis Content Analysis. Coding scheme was developed during an earlier pilot study.

8. Methodology – Avatar Coding Scheme Two sets of forced choice (exclusive) selections were made to: Humanoid/other pictured in the avatar: Humanoid - female, male, female(s) and male(s), and unknown gender, or Other - non-human, and graphical.

9. Methodology – Avatar Coding Scheme Advertising Angels, pixies, etc Animated Avatar is drawing Avatar is photo Baggy clothing Celebrities, musicians, actors, etc Combination construction Compound construction

10. Methodology – Avatar Coding Scheme Coy gaze Drug, smoking, alcohol Exaggerated secondary sexual characteristics Eyes obscured Figures in action Gore and/or blood Guns, swords, spears, armor, etc Humanoid group (3 or more) Membership or group tags

11. Methodology – Avatar Coding Scheme Nickname superimposed on avatar Nudity Pornographic Race – Asian, Black, Hispanic, White, Unknown Revealing Dress Sexually suggestive Superheroes, vampires, supernatural figures Trappings of childhood

12. Findings - General 1296 unique nicknames. 28.2% (n=365) of the nicknames used avatars. 312 unique avatars were collected. Moderators were removed from the analysis as they must be 21.

13. Findings – Humanoid Avatar Categories 92.3% (n=288) Humanoid 46.2% (n=144) Female 32.1% (n=100) Males 2.6% (n=8) Female(s) and Male(s) 11.5% (n=36) Unknown Gender

14. Findings – Other Avatar Categories 7.7% (n=27) Other 1.6% (n=5) Non-Human 6.1% (n=19) Graphical

15. Findings – Race of Avatar

16. Findings – Drawing or Photo

17. Findings – Female Avatars Combination/compound avatars or avatars with nicknames superimposed on a photo or drawing. 31.3% (n=45).

18. Findings – Female Avatars Coy gaze. 75.0% (n=108).

19. Findings – Female Avatars Exaggerated secondary sexual characteristics. 36.8% (n=53).

20. Findings – Female Avatars Nudity & revealing clothing. 50.0% (n=72).

21. Findings – Male Avatars Baggy clothing. 35.0% (n=35).

22. Findings – Male Avatars Combination/compound avatars or avatars with nicknames superimposed on a photo or drawing. 32.0% (n=32).

23. Findings – Male Avatars Eyes obscured. 33.0% (n=33).

24. Findings – Male Avatars Figures in action & superheroes, vampires, supernatural figures & animated. 40.0% (n=40).

25. Findings – Male Avatars Guns, swords, spears, armor, etc & gore & drug, smoking, alcohol. 38.0% (n=38).

26. Findings – Both Female(s) and Male(s) Avatars Combination/compound avatars or avatars with nicknames superimposed on a photo or drawing. 75.0%% (n=6).

27. Findings – Both Female(s) and Male(s) Avatars Baggy clothing. Coy gaze. Eyes obscured. 37.5% (n=3).

28. Findings – Both Female(s) and Male(s) Avatars Nudity & revealing clothing. 50.0%% (n=4).

29. Findings – Unknown Gender Baggy clothing. 30.6% (n=11).

30. Findings – Unknown Gender Combination/compound avatars or avatars with nicknames superimposed on a photo or drawing. 33.3% (n=12).

31. Findings – Non-Human Combination/compound avatars or avatars with nicknames superimposed on a photo or drawing. 60.0% (n=6).

32. Findings – Non-Human Figures in action & superheroes, vampires, supernatural figures & animated. 60.0% (n=6).

33. Findings – Graphical Combination/compound avatars or avatars with nicknames superimposed on a photo or drawing. 47.4% (n=9).

34. Interpretation - Ritualized subordination Females adopting postures which indicate submission to control by others. Seductive glances. Sexually suggestive. Revealing clothing. Idealized bodies (Exaggerated Secondary Sexual Characteristics).

35. Interpretation – Psychological Withdrawal Attention drifts away. Distancing/ obscuring of self. Eyes Obscured. Baggy Clothing.

36. Interpretation – Markers of Masculinity Influence of gaming/fantasy culture. Figures in action. Supernatural figures. Implements of destruction.

37. Interpretation – The Masculinity of Anonymity Unknown gender and non-human mirror male categories Baggy clothing supernatural figures

38. Further Research Questions Raised by the Study Gender Issues Related to: Creators of the avatars. Those that maintain the avatar libraries.