VTuber and Virtual Personhood

What Do We Feel Affinity For When We Feel Close to a VTuber?

About this topic

The question 'What do we feel affinity for when we feel close to a VTuber?' digs into what lies beneath the simple feeling of 'I like the character.' Is it the avatar design? Voice tone? The character's behavior during streams? Or are we unconsciously sensing the 'person behind'? By clarifying whether the object of affinity is the 'character,' the 'personality,' the 'voice,' or the 'worldview,' the essence of the 'connection' we seek from digital beings becomes visible. This question reaches into the psychology of oshi activities, modern idol culture, and even relationships with AI.

Conceptual positions

01 Character-Centered View

Affinity is primarily directed toward the fictional 'character.' The existence of the person behind is irrelevant; emotion is poured into the established personality and behavior itself.

02 Person-Behind-Realist View

We unconsciously sense the existence of the 'person behind' and direct affinity there. The character is merely a window; the essential connection is directed toward the human behind the voice.

03 Voice/Performance-Centered View

The core of affinity lies in 'performance'—voice tone, speaking style, response speed during streams. Emotion reacts to the pure 'voice appeal' that transcends character setting or the person behind.

04 Composite Affinity View

Affinity is not directed at a single object but at the complex 'whole' in which character, voice, person behind, and worldview are intertwined. Which element feels strongest changes depending on context.

Talk entry points

Which part (voice, character, streaming style, worldview, etc.) of the VTuber you currently feel closest to attracts you the most?
When watching that VTuber's stream and thinking 'I want to talk to this person (character),' do you actually want to talk to the 'person behind' or the 'character'?
If the same voice actor played a different character, do you think you would feel the same level of affinity?
Do you place more weight on liking the VTuber's 'setting,' or on liking 'the current appearance performing that setting'?
If you had to narrow the reason for feeling affinity down to just one—'voice only,' 'character only,' or 'person behind only'—which would you choose?
Do you also feel affinity toward the fan community of that VTuber (fellow fans)? Or only toward the individual character?

Conceptual tensions

Character vsPerson Behind

Whether the object of affinity is the 'performed personality' or the 'performing human' fundamentally changes the nature of the emotion. Many fans feel both simultaneously, but which one is emphasized changes the form of 'oshi activities.'

Voice Appeal vsVisual Appeal

Since VTubers' appearances are invisible (or limited), the voice becomes the main window for affinity. On the other hand, when Live2D or 3D movements are added, visual information also has a major influence. Which is more essential?

Transience vsPersistence

Does the affinity born from the temporary experience of a stream persist after the stream ends? If it persists, what sustains it?

Talk note

This topic does not judge emotions toward VTubers as 'right' or 'wrong.' Rather, it is a space to put into words the diverse forms of 'affinity' we feel in the digital age while respecting each other.

Glossary

Affinity / Closeness: The emotion of feeling close. In the case of VTubers, it arises from the complex interaction of multiple elements: avatar, voice, personality, streaming style, etc.
Character: The 'role' or 'personality' performed by the VTuber. Refers to the established backstory, speech patterns, and behavioral patterns.
The Person Behind: The real human operating the avatar—voice actor, streamer, creator, etc. Sometimes consciously recognized as the object of affinity, sometimes ignored.
Voice Appeal: The inherent approachability and individuality of the VTuber's voice. Since the visual is absent, the voice becomes the primary window into emotion and personality.
Immersion in Worldview: State of feeling affinity for the narrative of the 'setting' or 'community' to which the VTuber belongs. Attraction is felt not just to the individual character but to the overall context.

Talk prompts

Ice breaker

Name one VTuber you currently like the most. Of their 'voice,' 'character,' or 'stream atmosphere,' which one lingers most in your heart?

Deep dive

If the 'person behind' that VTuber suddenly appeared publicly and revealed a completely different personality from the character, how would your affinity change?

Bridge

While listening to the other person talk about their favorite VTuber, quietly imagine 'Is this person feeling affinity toward the voice, or toward the character setting?'

Further questions

When the voice actor appears publicly, does fan affinity shift toward the 'individual voice actor' or remain as 'the voice of the character'?
When an AI VTuber (completely AI-generated) appears, does the quality of affinity humans feel change?
If the voice actor changes while keeping the same character setting, is affinity carried over?
Have you experienced affinity shifting from the 'character' to the 'person behind'?
Does connection among fans strengthen or weaken affinity toward the character?