Perceptions of body image in real and Second Life and receptivity to health information; evaluating the ideal versus the real

Background: Body dissatisfaction can contribute to mental and physical health issues in both male and female students including depression, muscle dysmorphia, and eating disorders (median age of onset 18-21). The popularity of on-line virtual worlds has led to predictions that 80% of internet users will have a virtual presence by 2011. Virtual sites require users to create Avatars as their on-line personas. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine college age students' perceptions within the virtual world of Second Life (SL) related to relationships between their avatars and body weight and image perceptions and the processing of health education messages. Significance: Research is extremely limited with regards to how participants view their avatars relative their own body images and subsequently how they process health related information. Methodology: Quantitative and qualitative assessments were conducted to assess BMI, ratings of self and avatar body weight, appearance and attractiveness and processing of health education information. Results: Of the 40 participants 45% rated themselves as overweight while 12.5% rated their avatars as overweight. 15% stated that their avatars were more attractive than they were compared to 35% who thought their avatars were less attractive. The majority of participants found the health information personally relevant. Conclusions: The use of avatars and altered perceptions of body image presents a unique dynamic for exploration regarding the effectiveness of health information when it is processed through an alternate persona. Continued evaluation of health outcomes and how users create and participate in virtual worlds is needed.