Theses and Dissertations Collection

Observing the technologies utilized by interactive virtual environments reveals a possible speciation resulting in a virtual entity described as a virtual actor, or vactor. The emerging technology culminating in the vactor is discussed and a definition of vactor is given through describing relationships between users, avatars, and agents through virtual environments. This definition of vactor is examined in relation to several research and academic projects which I have actively participated in to demonstrate how a vactor might influence similar interactions with virtual environments. A comparison is drawn between the definition of virtual representation and the theatrical actor which elucidates the potential relationships between vactors, users, and virtual environments. The potential of the emerging technology indicated by vactor, and the resulting virtualized persona has implications extending to virtual communities within virtual communities, as well as impacting the current zeitgeist of individual identity.