The interaction of changing self-presentation caused by digital avatars as a simulation element with real culture

The relationship between culture and the individual manifests itself as a dynamic process in all components of society. Individuals bear the traces of their culture in their life experiences, behaviors, and thoughts. When communicating with the world, presenting themselves, and interacting with others, they are embedded in culture. In an increasingly digital world with changing communication styles, individuals can connect through the virtual world and re-construct themselves. Digital avatars, the virtual representation of individuals, are one of the new self-presentation tools that enable a wide range of experiences. Individuals can create a self as they wish with their digital avatars, choosing from avatars that closely resemble their own to those that are completely different. The process of entering the digital world by choosing a completely different avatar, creating a different reality from their actual self and culture, can be evaluated based on Baudrillard's theory of simulation. Within the framework of these fundamental concepts, the aim of this research is to reveal how the interaction between the changing self-presentation and the real culture occurs through digital avatars as a simulation element. The research employed a phenomenological research design, a qualitative research method, and was conducted with 26 participants, 13 female and 13 male, aged between 18 and 30, residing in Trabzon. A semi-structured interview form was used as the data collection tool, and the data obtained was evaluated through descriptive analysis. The data were categorized into main themes, and the findings were then interpreted and presented. The research revealed that although culture is influential in individuals' lives, it does not reflect them; social media platforms transform individuals and culture with both positive and negative effects; the digital avatar experience, with its prominent representational aspect, protects individuals from eccentric attitudes and provides an opportunity for socialization; and individuals who use digital avatars that do not align with their culture reproduce reality by not reflecting their actual culture in the digital world. The findings demonstrate that the culture that is influential in an individual's self and life is not reflected in the virtual world; changes in perception of reality; the recreation of reality; and the general belief that no one truly reflects themselves in the digital world.