Proteus effect - AbsoluteAstronomy.com

The Proteus
Proteus
In Greek mythology, Proteus is an early sea-god, one of several deities whom Homer calls the "Old Man of the Sea", whose name suggests the "first" , as protogonos is the "primordial" or the "firstborn". He became the son of Poseidon in the Olympian theogony In Greek mythology, Proteus (Πρωτεύς)...

effect is an effect that appears when the behavior

Behavior

Behavior or behaviour refers to the actions and mannerisms made by organisms, systems, or artificial entities in conjunction with its environment, which includes the other systems or organisms around as well as the physical environment...

of an individual conforms to their digital self-representation.

The Proteus effect holds that one's identity presentation changes based on their online avatar

Avatar (computing)

In computing, an avatar is the graphical representation of the user or the user's alter ego or character. It may take either a three-dimensional form, as in games or virtual worlds, or a two-dimensional form as an icon in Internet forums and other online communities. It can also refer to a text...

. The concept takes its name from the Greek god Proteus

Proteus

In Greek mythology, Proteus is an early sea-god, one of several deities whom Homer calls the "Old Man of the Sea", whose name suggests the "first" , as protogonos is the "primordial" or the "firstborn". He became the son of Poseidon in the Olympian theogony In Greek mythology, Proteus (Πρωτεύς)...

, who is notable for being the origin of the adjective protean—the ability to take on many different self representations. This term has been used to describe the actions one pursues while online, where the avatar is not simply a mask that is worn; it is one's entire self representation. Behind an avatar, a person may act in a manner vastly different than they do in real life

Real life

Real life is a term usually used to denote actual human life lived by real people in contrast with the lives of fictional or fantasy characters.-Usage online and in fiction:On the Internet, "real life" refers to life in the real world...

.

For example: A person may chooses an attractive avatar

Avatar (computing)

in a virtual reality

Virtual reality

Virtual reality , also known as virtuality, is a term that applies to computer-simulated environments that can simulate physical presence in places in the real world, as well as in imaginary worlds...

game, and subsequently presents a more confident personality through their avatar in that game. However, this behavior only occurs when the person is acting through that avatar. The Proteus effect does not denote a change in behavior in real life.

The Proteus Effect has been used to help people change addictive behaviors, and lose weight.

Further reading