  Identification within media, whether with real or fictional characters,
significantly impacts users, shaping their behavior and enriching their social
and emotional experiences. Immersive media, like video games, utilize virtual
entities such as agents, avatars, or NPCs to connect users with virtual worlds,
fostering a heightened sense of immersion and identification. However,
challenges arise in visually representing these entities, with design decisions
crucial for enhancing user interaction. Recent research highlights the
potential of user-defined design, or customization, which goes beyond mere
visual resemblance to the user. Understanding how identification with virtual
avatars influences user experiences, especially in psychological interventions,
is pivotal. In a study exploring this, 22 participants created virtual agents
either similar or dissimilar to themselves, which then addressed their
dysfunctional thoughts. Results indicate that similarity between users and
virtual agents not only boosts identification but also positively impacts
emotions and motivation, enhancing interest and enjoyment. This study sheds
light on the significance of customization and identification, particularly in
computer-assisted therapy tools, underscoring the importance of visual design
for optimizing user experiences.
