Impact of virtual avatar appearance realism on perceptual interaction experience: a network meta-analysis
Abstract
Objective As virtual avatars become increasingly embedded in social, educational, and commercial platforms, the virtual avatars appearance realism (VAAR) has emerged as a critical factor influencing user perceptual interaction experience. This study explores the impact of VAAR on users’ perceptual interaction experiences. Method We retrieved all relevant publications from the past decade (April 2015 to April 2025) across four major databases: Web of Science, Elsevier Science Direct, Springer Link, and Google Scholar. The analysis focused on three user perceptual interaction experience-related indicators: attractiveness, trustworthiness, and eeriness. A network meta-analysis (NMA) was conducted using Stata software, and the relative ranking of VAAR was determined based on the surface under the cumulative ranking curve. Results A total of 13 studies with 2,343 participants were included in the analysis. According to the results of the NMA, high VAAR were perceived as more attractive and more trustworthy than those with medium or low VAAR. In contrast, medium VAAR elicited the strongest feelings of eeriness. Conclusion This study highlights the subjective impact of VAAR on user interaction experience. These findings provide meaningful guidance for the future development and design of virtual avatars. Systematic review registration The network meta-analysis (NMA) was preregistered on the Open Science Framework (OSF) and is publicly available at…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 2,343 participants or records.
Read the paper
Related studies
- In silico strategies for modeling RNA aptamers and predicting binding sites of their molecular targets
- Folic acid-hydrophilic polymer coated mesoporous silica nanoparticles target doxorubicin delivery
- Anti-phytopathogenic and plant growth promoting potential of endophytic fungi isolated from Dysoxylum gotadhora
- Mercury toxicity causes iron and sulfur deficiencies along with oxidative injuries in alfalfa (Medicago sativa)
- Suppression of lncRNA GAS6-AS2 alleviates sepsis-related acute kidney injury through regulating the miR-136-5p/OXSR1 axis in vitro and in vivo
- Assessing the Protective Effect of Moringa oleifera Extract against Bone Metastasis: An In Vitro Simulated Digestion Approach
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.