A shared value from“People, Places, and Time” is that even in virtual spaces, how we show up really affects how we connect with others. The study states that “Avatars that resembled participants increased synchrony, similarities in moment-to-moment nonverbal behaviors between participants.” Basically, when people used avatars that looked more like themselves, they moved more in sync with others, which it all feel more natural and connected. This idea of synchrony is important because it’s tied to things like trust, presence, and feeling part of a group. From a digital humanities perspective, it shows how virtual environments aren’t just about tech, they’re cultural and social spaces too. The study reminds us that human behavior, identity, and connection play a huge role in how we relate to one another.
