제페토 이용자의 환상적 이미지 아바타 경험, 메타버스 관계성, 자기실재감이 오프라인 대인관계 효능감에 미치는 영향

초록

This study explores how ZEPETO users’ experiences with fantasy-image avatars—namely avatar customization, social support for creative activities, and a sense of community through socializing—affect offline interpersonal relationship efficacy. It also examines the mediating role of metaverse relatedness and the moderating effect of self-presence. We surveyed 200 users. Results show that avatar customization and a sense of community through socializing positively predicted offline interpersonal relationship efficacy, while avatar customization, a sense of community through socializing and social support for creative activities all positively predicted metaverse relatedness. Metaverse relatedness significantly mediated the association between avatar experiences and offline interpersonal relationship efficacy, and this effect was stronger among users with higher self-presence. These findings suggest that metaverse experiences can build psychological and social capital, bolstering real-world social confidence and connectedness.

키워드