Interações mediadas por avatares no metaverso: percepções de indivíduos com características comuns ao transtorno do déficit de atenção e hiperatividade.

Abstract

The metaverse can be defined as a set of persistent and shared three-dimensional virtual environments in which users interact in real time through avatars. These avatars act as fundamental mediators of communication and collaboration, influencing the sense of presence and the social dynamics within these digital spaces. However, such interactions may present challenges for individuals with characteristics commonly associated with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a condition marked by patterns of inattention, impulsivity, and, in some cases, hyperactivity, which affect how visual, auditory, and interactive stimuli are perceived and processed. This study aimed to investigate and analyze the perceptions of people with characteristics associated with ADHD regarding the factors that influence avatar-mediated interaction and collaboration in virtual environments. The methodology involved a focus group conducted within an immersive platform, followed by the creation of two distinct virtual environments for a guided visit to a virtual gallery, developed based on the initial findings and evidence from the literature. The qualitative analysis made it possible to identify challenges related to sensory overload, limitations in avatar expressiveness, difficulties in maintaining focus in stimulus-rich spaces, and cognitive demands imposed by navigation and social interaction in these environments. The results provide a set of perceptions that highlight the specific needs of this population, emphasizing factors that directly affect their experience of communication, engagement, and collaboration in the metaverse. These findings reinforce the importance of considering cognitive and sensory demands when designing virtual environments that are more inclusive and better suited to diverse user profiles.