A Novel Method of Exploring the Uncanny Valley in Avatar Gender(Sex) and Realism Using Electromyography

Despite the variety of applications that use avatars (virtual humans), how end-users perceive are not fully understood, and accurately measuring these perceptions remains a challenge. To measure end-user responses more to avatars, this pilot study uses novel methodology which aims examine categorize facial electromyography (f-EMG) responses. These (n = 92) can be categorized as pleasant, unpleasant, neutral using control images sourced from International Affective Picture System (IAPS). This also account for variability between participant avatars. The taken here assist in comparisons such gender(sex)-based differences. gender(sex) differences, an avatar either or combination. Although other factors age may unconsciously affect responses, was directly considered work. method allow developers better understand objectively avatar. recommendation is aim returns neutral, pleasant-neutral response, unless unpleasant response intended. demonstrates useful way forward address some known issues found f-EMG realism uncanniness used perceptions.