FRANK BIOCCA

’Self-presence is defined as users' mental model of themselves inside the virtual world, but especially differences in self-presence due to the short term or long term effect of virtual environment on the perception of one's body (i.e., body schema or body image), physiological states, emotional states, perceived traits, and identity. Self-presence refers to the effect of embodiment in the virtual environment on mental models of the self, especially when that model of the self is foregrounded or made salient. As with other forms of presence, designers share the assumption that increases in self-presence are correlated with higher levels of cognitive performance, and, possibly, emotional development. In the words of Socrates, the goal to "know thyself" is a worthy journey - it may be the only journey!’ (Biocca, 1997)


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