Buxom Girls and Boys in Baseball Hats: Adolescent Avatars in Graphical Chat Spaces
http://www.slis.indiana.edu/research/working_papers/files/SLIS-WP-03-04.pdf

Scheidt, Lois Ann
Indiana University
2004

Abstract:

This paper explores the types of avatars adolescents use in graphical chat spaces and how gender is represented in these avatars. Content analysis found that adolescents predominately utilize publicly available avatars depicting drawn images of Caucasian human forms. Specifically it was found that females adopt postures that indicate subordination to others, while males display psychological withdrawal from the actions around them. The influence of gaming and fantasy is seen in male avatar selection.