Title

A Semiotic Reading of Digital Avatars and their Role of Uncertainty Reduction in Digital Communication

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2014

Abstract

This study tries to explain the role of digital avatars for communication in two distinct ways. In the first part it debates what kinds of meanings avatars have for their users. To answer this question based on semiotic theories of Saussure and Lacan, a new approach will be proposed. Saussure’s theory of signs and Lacan’s theory of chain of signifiers as an entry for self, will be merged to form a new viewpoint. In the second part, the role of avatars in the digital communication for the receivers will be approached by Berger’s uncertainty reduction theory.

Comments

This article was originally published in Journal of Media Critiques 1 (2014), https://www.ceeol.com/search/article-detail?id=497027

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