In my thesis, I embarked on a journey of comprehensive case studies to decode the enigma of avatars and their impact on personal identity. This exploration, steeped in the sphere of posthuman research, kindled an introspective examination of our self-concept, challenging the fundamentals of identity.

An avatar, transcending its digital shell, acts as a bridge to alternate realities and personas. It vaults the physical and psychological confines of our daily lives, yet preserves a connection to our core self. Embracing these surrogate identities initiates a profound scrutiny of our existence and the elasticity of identity. Avatars not only reflect our persona but also incite us to confront the flexibility of our self-image, blurring the lines between self and other.

This confluence of identities poses an intriguing paradox. As we traverse the labyrinth of these novel personas, we're prompted to reflect on our core values, beliefs, and perspectives. Engaging with an avatar, we face the concept of a fluid self, molded by a gamut of influences.

Avatars, echoing Haraway's cyborg concept, kindle questions about our societal frameworks. They challenge us to ponder if societal norms nurture or stifle our understanding and expression of our manifold identities.

To encapsulate these studies, I'm creating a video essay featuring avatars I've created over the year discussing the case studies. This essay will explore topics like object-oriented ontology and avatar phenomenology. Influenced by Donna Haraway's "Cyborg Manifesto" and Judith Butler's "Gender Trouble," gender theory also plays a significant role in this research.

Thesis link