# Exploring the user-avatar relationship in videogames: A systematic review of the Proteus effect ## Overview **Authors:** Kim Szolin, Daria J. Kuss, Filip M. Nuyens, Mark D. Griffiths **Publication Date:** 2021 **Link:** **Keywords:** Proteus effect, avatar design, behavioral influence, gaming disorder, virtual identity, social interactions, psychological effects, VR applications, user experience, digital embodiment **Type:** Peer-Reviewed Journals/White Papers ## Summary The Proteus effect describes how avatar characteristics in virtual environments can influence users' behavior and attitudes both in-game and in real life. Research shows this effect can impact various aspects of user experience, including gaming disorder symptoms, physical activity levels, and social interactions, highlighting the importance of avatar design in video games and virtual reality applications. --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://library.xrguild.org/physiological-and-psychological-effects-of-xr/exploring-the-user-avatar-relationship-in-videogames-a-systematic-review-of-the-proteus-effect.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.