Identity in Metaverse (Nem x Mila, 2024)
We have released the qualitative report “Identity in the Metaverse,” which investigates the nature of identity among social VR users. The analysis of qualitative data from open-ended responses revealed, with remarkable clarity, the diversity of “authentic self-expression” emerging in the metaverse. To stimulate open discussions about the future of humanity and the Metaverse, we are offering the complete 71-page report for free. We are welcome for your feedback.
*日本語版ポータルはこちら
*Major update history
・2024/12/4 Added media publications and responces
・2024/12/7 Presented at Virtual Conference 2024
Foreword
The last two times, we conducted large-scale quantitative surveys titled “Social VR Lifestyle Survey”. These reports generated significant feedback from users, who expressed a desire for a deeper understanding of not only the percentages of responses but also of the reasons and causes behind the answers. Therefore, this time we have conducted a qualitative survey focusing on the particularly noteworthy aspect of “Social VR Users’ Identity.“ We analyzed responses written in free-text format regarding “Motivations Behind Avatar Design,” “Influence of VR Life,” and “Forms of Identity.” The analysis of 1,012 qualitative data entries was more challenging than anticipated and required a workload incomparable to previous surveys. However, it brought into sharp focus the new ways of living and diverse forms of self-expression emerging in the virtual world. We hope this serves as a catalyst for discussions toward a better future.
Nem x Mila
Contents
Part 1. User profile 2024
Social VR platforms, physical sex, age and latest changes
Part 2. Motivations behind avatar design
Motivations behind designing avatars type, masculine or feminine, age and similarity to physical self
Part 3. Influence of social VR life
Backgrounds behind the change of behavior, the positive or negative influence
Part 4. Various forms of identity
Relationship between virtual and physical world identities, which to take as the main identity
Report Free Distribution: “Social VR Lifestyle Survey” Deep-dive Series “Identity in Metaverse” (Nem x Mila, 2024)
*Report Format: pdf, Bilingual in Japanese and English, 71 pages
*When sharing, we would appreciate if you could share this portal page instead of the pdf link. (Because the link may change when the report is updated)
Feedback Form
Thank you for reading our report. Please give us your feedback by answering this form for our further analysis and future research activities.
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YouTube Live Debriefing
The research unit Nem x Mila will debrief from the metaverse on Saturday, 30 November, at 21:00 JST on YouTube Live. The duo will answer viewers’ questions in real-time.
Review comment: Dr. Junji Ohyama from AIST
“Who am I?” “How can I be myself?” This study provides new insights to these fundamental questions through reports on the experiences of people living in virtual worlds with bodies different from their real ones. A remarkable finding is that 39% of respondents wish to make, or have already made, their identity in social VR their primary identity, as an alternative to their real-world identity. Additionally, the following positive effects of living in social VR were reported: becoming more active and sociable in social VR than in reality (15%), expanding social connections (37%), improving mental health (28%), and broadening sense of values and way of thinking (24%). Furthermore, valuable insights into lifestyle diversity in social VR are provided from qualitative analyses of open-ended questions regarding reasons for using avatars of different genders or ages from oneself, or non-human avatars, and the preference for female avatars. Since the main theme of this survey was identity, the results might have a positive bias towards having a different identity in VR. However, it can be said that a certain number of people feel that they can be more themselves in VR than in physical reality. This gives us hope that by making social VR a part of our lives and living back and forth between virtual and real worlds, we will be able to reach a society where everyone can live more naturally and comfortably as themselves.
Supervisor:
Dr. Junji Ohyama
Human Augmentation Research Center (HARC),
National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) Cognitive Interaction Design Lab., Univ of Tsukuba
Official Supporters
This time, unlike previous surveys conducted by Nem x Mila, the survay involved a high barrier to entry due to its qualitative nature. So, metaverse-related media and communities cooperated in spreading information and encouraging participation.
- IMMERSIVE WIRE
- AXON PARK
- GLITCHES.VR
- VR CLUB AT UIUC
- VIVERSE
- HIKKY Co., Ltd
- PANORA
- Meta-cul Frontier
- VR Ajito
- VNOS Corporation
Organisers: Research Unit “Nem x Mila”
“Social VR Lifestyle Survey” Deep-dive Series “Identity in Metaverse” (Nem x Mila, 2024) marks the fifth major research project undertaken by Virtual Girl Nem and Liudmila (Mila) Bredikhina to investigate the impact of VTubers and the metaverse on humanity. Last year, “Nem x Mila” also gave a presentation at the United Nations international conference, IGF Kyoto 2023.
Liudmila Bredikhina
A Ph.D. student in Switzerland. She received the “Prix Genre” (Gender Prize) academic award from the Geneva University for her master’s thesis on “ba-bi-niku” and “VTubers” in 2022. In 2024, her feature documentary was broadcast on NHK(Japan’s public broadcaster)’s “Deepest Japan Research.“
- X: @BredikhinaL
- Academic portal
- Ref: Mila received the ‘Prix Genre’ academic award for her “ba-ni-niku” thesis
- Ref: “Babiniku” Researcher Mila’s documentary aired on NHK, Japanese National broadcaster [Deepest Japan Studies]
Virtual Girl Nem
A Japanese VTuber, writer and Metaverse culture evangelist. HTC official VIVE ambassador. She published the commentary book “Metaverse Evolution Theory (Gijutsu hyoron-sha)” in 2022 and received the Grand Prize in the “IT Engineer Book Awards 2023” in the business book category.
- X: @nemchan_nel
- Academic portal
- Ref: Metaverse Evolution Theory — Intro of a Book by a Native Inhabitant of the Metaverse is Published for Free
Speech at the United Nations IGF Kyoto 2023
・Ref: Nem x Mila presented at United Nations IGF 2023
Interview by TBWA Worldwide
・Ref: Nem x Mila appeared on international media “TBWA Worldwide” documentary
Past Large-scale Survey Projects
Presentations
2024/12/7 Presented at Virtual Conference 2024
*Ref: Virtual Conference 2024 Report (Japanese)
Media Publications
GLITCHES.VR
IMMERSIVE WIRE
VIVERSE BLOG
Vchavcha : Nem x Mila interview
VIVE 後浪潮 (Chinese Media)
Vchavcha: Nem x Mila Interview (Chinese)
Taiwanese VTuber “海色水晶(Crystal Beimen)” introduced the survey (Chinese)
Korean VTuber “Robin” introduced the survey (Korea)
Japanese media publications follow.
PANORA
