User Experience in Mobile Metaverses: Nonverbal Communication by Avatars in ZEPETO

Abstract As mobile metaverse platforms continue to evolve alongside technological advancements such as 5G networking, the dynamic interplay between user and avatar has become increasingly important. This study delves into the realm of nonverbal communication facilitated by avatars within ZEPETO, a leading mobile metaverse platform in South Korea, to assess its impact on user engagement and experience. Employing Self-Presence Theory, we explore how avatars’ facial expressions, outfits, gestures, and spatial behaviors enhance the feelings of embodiment and presence. Embodiment (users’ sensation of being physically part of a virtual environment) and presence (the subjective experience of existing within it) are pivotal in understanding the effectiveness of virtual interactions. Through a mixed-method approach involving a questionnaire survey (N = 120) and detailed interviews (N = 20), we aim to quantify the contribution of avatars’ nonverbal cues to user engagement. Preliminary findings suggest that gestures and poses significantly influence user embodiment and presence, indicating that effective nonverbal communication can enhance user experience in mobile metaverses. This study not only highlights the importance of avatar interactions in enriching user experience but also suggests directions for future enhancements in avatar design and functionality in metaverse platforms.