Lets Talk About Impressions.

Lets Talk About Impressions.


When considering the eSports world, our initial impressions on how we want to perceive ourselves and how others view us, are often lost in the electronic world that we plug ourselves into when we are playing games, surfing online, or posting something online on one of our numerous media platforms. When we play a new game for instance, we are often found creating a new avatar or character that portrays no significant resemblance to us, and because of this we would act and behave differently in the game than outside of the media/digital world.

If we look at the different media platforms that are in popular use including Facebook, Instagram, Snap chat, Reddit, etc, we come to the conclusion that we want to be perceived differently depending on the platform. For instance, ones profile on Facebook might be portrayed as more casual with your posts being centered around close friends and family. While on the other hand, ones Instagram page might be centered around a focus point of blogging about alcohol or food.

One of the most recent trends that has formed in the gaming community and that has potential to impact the eSports industry are the VR consoles, or Virtual Reality consoles. One of the newest games that has been released under the console is a game called VRChat.  When considering the values of first impressions or building a reputation among others, VRChat examples those values and solidifies what the online community desires, a new and ever changing image.

For those who do not understand what VRChat is, it is primarily a chat room where people of all ages can use their VR headsets to communicate, interact, and play with others across the world. However without using your physical appearance to engage with others. Players can pick and choose an endless array of appearances, voices, and usernames to identify themselves. The problem that could arise from this? VRChat could potential stimulate trolling behavior in our society and ironically might change social behaviors with younger audiences. Why talk and communicate with others face to face, when I can talk to others in the comfort of my room online?