Self-presence in Second Life: How having a slim alter-ego online could help you lose weight | Physical and Mental Health - Exercise, Fitness and Activity | Scoop.it
From ispr.info - February 21, 2013 12:00 AM

Fans of virtual reality games are often stereotyped as geeky introverts.

 

But scientists say having an electronic doppelganger could actually improve a person’s health and appearance.

 

Harnessing the power of the virtual world could even lead to new forms of obesity treatment, according to the team from the University of Missouri.

 

In a recent study they found that people who most strongly identified with their online persona, or avatar, the more it could influence their behaviour in real life.


Via Kim Flintoff