The Avatar Faculty creatively examines the parallels between spiritual and digital activities to explore the roles that symbolic second selves-avatars-can play in our lives. The use of avatars can allow for what anthropologists call ecstasy, from the Greek ekstasis, meaning "standing outside oneself." The archaic techniques of promoting spiritual ecstasy, which remain central to religious healing traditions around the world, now also have contemporary analogues in virtual worlds found on the internet. In this innovative book, Jeffrey G. Snodgrass argues that avatars allow for the ecstatic projection of consciousness into alternate realities, potentially providing both the spiritually possessed and gamers access to superior secondary identities with elevated social standing. Even if only temporary, self-transformations of these kinds can help reduce psychosocial stress and positively improve health and well-being.

Contents List of Illustrations Key Terms and Abbreviations Preface Central Characters and Settings Introduction 1 • Sacred and Secular Settings 2 • The Psychology of Avatar Therapeutics: Absorptive Experiences and Stress Relief 3 • The Psychosocial Dynamics of Avatar Therapeutics: Enhanced Self-Image and Elevated Social Standing 4 • Distinguishing Therapeutic from Toxic Avatar Experiences: Norm Conflicts and Felt Dissonance Conclusion Acknowledgments Appendix A. Chapter 2 Supplemental Material: Survey Methods and Results Appendix B. Chapter 3 Supplemental Materials: Survey Methods and Results Appendix C. Chapter 4 Supplemental Material: Survey Methods and Results Notes Glossary References Index