Much of the academic literature on VEs tends to take an optimistic tone that emphasizes
the technological features of these environments to promote social presence between users. Shen &
Khalifa (2008) state that particularly in VEs, showing one’s online status and using avatars could evoke
social presence. Bulu (2012) concurs that the use of avatars and nonverbal and verbal communication
channels make it possible for users to connect both socially and psychologically. However, we suggest
that media high in information richness, such as a VE, does not always guarantee high social presence
between participants. Intensive and engaging discussions may occur via media that is low in information
richness, and attention and other levels o