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With the rise of the Internet, computer games have evolved into the sprawling world of massively multiplayer online games (MMOs) and virtual worlds. This new form of entertainment allows thousands of users to connect in online worlds with built-in social dynamics and customs. Within these games and virtual worlds, users create “avatars” to represent themselves as they explore the digital environments and interact with other players.

The level of customization allows players to design avatars that may mirror their own physical features or be completely different and exaggerated. Over time, many players become attached to their avatars and the relationships fostered within the game – a cause for concern among many parents.

Introducing Nick Yee, Ph.D.

Over the past nine years, Yee has studied virtual environments in a variety of ways. At Stanford, Yee’s dissertation work involved studying how the avatars people use change how they behave. For example, he found that users in more attractive avatars become friendlier in a virtual space. At the Palo Alto Research Center (PARC), he was part of a project that used data-mining techniques on World of Warcraft data to understand the social dynamics of play. And Yee is also well-known for “The Daedalus Project”, an ongoing survey study of over 40,000 online gamers on issues such as demographics, relationship formation, avatar creation, and problematic use.

One of few experts in this field of study, his varied research on the behavioral characteristics of online gamers and the boundary between virtual and real worlds has led to national recognition for his work.

Learn more about the benefits and risks of online play

Read Nick Yee's Virtual Worlds factsheet

NOTE: Qwest is providing the above information as a customer service for educational purposes only. Qwest assumes no liability for the use of this information and does not guarantee that following the recommendations provided will prevent fraud.

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