The focus of the present study is the question of how characteristics
of an online Virtual World (VW) affect verbal behavior in
social interactions. The technological developments of the past
two decades have introduced new opportunities for online communication
and social connection. Especially popular among these
venues are VWs. The value and potential of VWs for social connection
lies in part on the opportunity these platforms provide for business,
education, and clinical applications due to their cost-effective,
physically safe, and geographically-accessible affordances (Yee,
2014). Computer-mediated communication in general has been
shown to produce healthy, long-lasting social interactions. People
who have communicated through computer-mediated systems
prior to meeting face-to-face report greater likeability and intimacy
for their partner (Ramirez & Zhang, 2007).
Utilizing VWs for social connection can be particularly beneficial
for individuals who might have difficulty socializing in the real
world (Amichai-Hamburger, 2013). For example, shy individuals
have been found to experience less communication apprehension
in interactions within a VW(Hammick & Lee, 2014). Further, online
communication facilitates lasting connections that transfer into
the physical world (Yee, 2014). The potential applications and
effectiveness of using VW for positive and beneficial social