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.
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