The origins of virtual worlds can be traced back to text-based adventures and Multi-User Dungeons (MUDs) in the late 1970s and early 1980s. These platforms allowed multiple users to interact in a shared textual environment, laying the groundwork for future graphical virtual spaces.

The visual journey begins with Habitat (1986-1988), a groundbreaking MMORPG developed by LucasArts. Considered the first large-scale commercial virtual community with graphics, Habitat allowed users to interact as avatars, engaging in activities like trading, socializing, and even participating in a player-driven economy. This pioneering platform laid the groundwork for future virtual world experiences.

The mid-1990s witnessed a shift with the emergence of 3D virtual worlds. CitySpace (1993-1996) stands out as a pioneer in this era, being one of the earliest online 3D environments and the first user-generated virtual world. This innovative platform empowered users to contribute their own 3D graphics and imagery, shaping the collaborative world they inhabited. This user-driven approach would become a cornerstone of future virtual world platforms, most notably Second Life. Active Worlds (1995-2010) further solidified the presence of 3D virtual worlds, allowing users to explore, build, and own virtual spaces within its universe. With features like web browsing, voice chat, and instant messaging, Active Worlds offered a multifaceted virtual experience that attracted a dedicated community.

The early 2000s saw virtual worlds branching out in new directions. WeeWorld (2000-2017) targeted teenagers and preteens with its customizable avatars and social networking features. Platforms like MyCoke (2002-2010) leveraged virtual world mechanics for marketing purposes, offering branded experiences to engage consumers. Disney's Toontown Online (2003-2013) combined the appeal of popular cartoon characters with engaging gameplay, creating a family-friendly virtual world that captured the imaginations of millions. The rise of social media platforms like Facebook led to the integration of virtual world elements within these spaces. (Lil) Green Patch (2008-2010), a Facebook application, allowed users to cultivate virtual gardens and raise money for environmental causes. Pet Society (2008-2013) capitalized on the popularity of virtual pets, becoming a global phenomenon on Facebook.

Recent years have witnessed a renewed focus on virtual worlds, fueled by advancements in technology and the growing concept of the metaverse. Platforms like High Fidelity (2013-2020) and AltspaceVR (2015-2023) explored the potential of social virtual reality, allowing users to interact in immersive 3D environments. Mozilla Hubs (2018-2024) aimed to make virtual world experiences more accessible with its open-source, web-based platform.

Deeply connected to the concept of virtual worlds are avatars as human forms of representation and manifestation.

The term "avatar" originates from the Sanskrit word "avatāra," meaning "descent," and is primarily associated with Hindu theology. In Hinduism, avatars represent the manifestation of deities, particularly Vishnu, who descends to the earthly plane to restore cosmic order (dharma). Texts such as the Mahabharata and the Puranas, composed between circa 500 BCE and 500 CE, describe the ten primary avatars (Dashavatara) of Vishnu, including iconic figures such as Rama and Krishna. These manifestations are not merely symbolic; they serve as narratives of divine intervention, embodying spiritual lessons and ethical principles.

In Hindu art, avatars have been depicted in dynamic forms, as seen in the intricate carvings of temples like those at Khajuraho and Ellora. These visual representations served dual purposes: as spiritual tools to inspire devotion and as pedagogical mediums to convey complex mythological and moral themes. The artistic depiction of avatars connects sacred and everyday spaces, enabling worshippers to experience divine proximity.

The idea of avatars underscores a universal human need to make the abstract and divine tangible. Similar to the representation of avatars in Hindu art, ancient cultures around the world utilized art to bridge the spiritual and physical realms. Prehistoric cave paintings, Greek sculptures, and Gothic cathedral murals all reflect humanity's desire to visualize and interact with the sacred.

Avatars in Hinduism also reveal the adaptability of divine figures to specific cultural and temporal needs. Each avatar of Vishnu addresses unique challenges faced by the world at a particular time, reinforcing the cyclical nature of existence and divine intervention. This adaptability resonates with broader historical patterns in art, where sacred imagery evolves to reflect societal priorities and cultural contexts. For instance, the portrayal of Athena in the Parthenon served as both a religious symbol and a declaration of Athenian political and cultural dominance.

The philosophical essence of avatars as bridges between realms finds a compelling parallel in the rise of digital avatars. In virtual worlds, avatars serve as the digital embodiment of users, enabling interaction, identity expression, and creativity.

The emergence of avatars in digital spaces is closely tied to advancements in computing and networking technologies. Early online environments such as MUDs (Multi-User Dungeons) and graphical virtual worlds like Second Life marked the transition from textual to visual representations of digital personas. Today, platforms such as the Metaverse and massively multiplayer online games (MMOs) like World of Warcraft have elevated avatars to central figures of digital interaction. They are not merely visual representations but extensions of users' identities, enabling them to navigate, socialize, and co-create within complex virtual ecosystems.

Avatars in virtual worlds carry profound social, psychological, and cultural significance. They act as tools for identity exploration, allowing individuals to experiment with aspects of themselves that may not align with their real-world personas. This capacity for self-expression fosters inclusivity and creativity, empowering users to transcend the limitations of physical and societal constraints.

Estimating the global population that identifies as LGBTQ+ presents challenges due to cultural, legal, and methodological factors. Recent surveys indicate that approximately 3% to 9% of adults worldwide identify as LGBTQ+. For instance, a 2023 global survey reported that 3% of respondents identified as gay, lesbian, or homosexual, while 4% identified as bisexual

Another study found that about 8% of the global population identifies as homosexual, bisexual, or pansexual.

These figures can vary significantly by country; for example, in 2023, 15% of Brazil's population identified as LGBTQ+, compared to 4% in Peru and Japan.

In gaming contexts, player behavior regarding avatar gender selection offers insights into gender identity and expression. A study by Quantic Foundry revealed that approximately one-third of male gamers prefer to play as female characters, while female gamers predominantly choose avatars matching their own gender.

The numbers related to LGBTQ+ identification globally and behaviors observed in virtual environments reveal profound implications for avatar design in the virtual world. The ability to choose one’s avatar identity is not merely a feature but a necessity for inclusivity, authenticity, and the long-term viability of virtual platforms. These statistics underscore the diverse and evolving nature of identity in contemporary society, emphasizing the need for virtual worlds to accommodate and celebrate this diversity.

Restricting avatar customization risks alienating large and critical segments of virtual platform users. Younger generations, in particular, are more likely to identify as LGBTQ+, with estimates suggesting that non-binary and gender-fluid individuals make up significant portions of the digital workforce and user base. Platforms that fail to provide customizable and inclusive avatars may inadvertently exclude these users, limiting the platform’s appeal and utility. Conversely, platforms that embrace the full spectrum of identity offer safer, more welcoming environments, fostering greater user engagement and loyalty. Beyond inclusivity, the freedom to choose avatar identities holds economic and cultural significance for virtual platforms. Inclusive design has become a strategic imperative.

Given the advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) it is interesting to take a closer look at how these developments could shape the dynamics of avatars. Specifically the question arises, what happens when autonomous avatars, achieve sentience as their capacity for Moral Concern evolves?

As we have discussed, initially, avatars functioned as static representations, such as user profile images or characters in virtual environments, serving primarily to extend human identity into digital spaces. With the advent of machine learning and natural language processing, these avatars have undergone a transformative evolution into intelligent, autonomous agents capable of performing complex tasks—ranging from representations to personalized companionship.

This evolution underscores a broader trend toward creating AI systems that transcend mere utility, fostering more profound and meaningful interactions with human users. Moral concern, as a cornerstone of sentience, signifies the ability to discern and prioritize ethical dimensions in decision-making processes. In humans, moral concern is an outcome of evolutionary, social, and cognitive development. Translating this concept into AI necessitates the replication or simulation of essential components, such as:

• Empathy: The capacity to perceive and share the emotions of others.

• Normative Reasoning: The ability to assess actions against established ethical and societal standards. Autonomy: The power to make decisions independently, guided by moral considerations.

For an AI avatar to be considered sentient, it must exhibit:

• Self-Awareness: An understanding of itself as a distinct entity with individual experiences.

• Intentionality: The ability to form and pursue goals based on intrinsic motivations.

• Qualia: The capacity for subjective experiences, such as emotions or sensations.

The progression of moral concern offers a potential pathway to achieving sentience. As avatars become proficient in advanced moral reasoning, their understanding of themselves and others may evolve, potentially fostering self-awareness.

These developments are of special importance to virtual galleries, as ai agents will become a natural part of their specific environments. Early iterations of these agents already exist.

Sacred Spaces as Homes of Divine ManifestationsCaves, such as those at Lascaux, and later temples, served as sacred spaces for ritual magic. Hindu temples similarly became spaces to encounter divine manifestations through avatars. The physical representation of avatars in art enabled worshippers to connect spiritually, evoking awe akin to Pheidias’s statue of Athena in the Parthenon. Spiritual Teaching: Conveying stories and values from scriptures such as the Mahabharata and Ramayana.Cultural Assertion: Demonstrating a patron’s devotion and authority, reflecting the political-religious function of Greek temple art.These roles mirror the prehistoric use of art for ritualistic and symbolic purposes.

Sacred Spaces as Homes of Divine Manifestations

• Caves, such as those at Lascaux, and later temples, served as sacred spaces for ritual magic.

• Hindu temples similarly became spaces to encounter divine manifestations through avatars.

• The physical representation of avatars in art enabled worshippers to connect spiritually, evoking awe akin to Pheidias’s statue of Athena in the Parthenon.

• Spiritual Teaching: Conveying stories and values from scriptures such as the Mahabharata and Ramayana.

• Cultural Assertion: Demonstrating a patron’s devotion and authority, reflecting the political-religious function of Greek temple art.

• These roles mirror the prehistoric use of art for ritualistic and symbolic purposes.

Manifestation and Representation

• The concept of avatars underscores the need to make the divine manifest and tangible, a theme resonating across cultures

• Prehistoric cave art made spiritual rituals visually accessible.

• Statues such as Athena’s in the Parthenon embodied divine power in physical form.

• Avatars in Hinduism represent divine intervention and are visualized through temple art.

• Temples became spaces where the divine, through avatars or gods, interacted with humanity via visual storytelling.

• The avatar concept reflects the adaptation of divine figures to specific times and needs.

• Similarly, art across cultures adapted sacred imagery to align with local contexts and societal priorities.

• AI Agents as autonomous avatars will become sentient through their evolution of moral concern.

The concept of avatars underscores the need to make the divine manifest and tangible, a theme resonating across cultures Prehistoric cave art made spiritual rituals visually accessible. Statues such as Athena’s in the Parthenon embodied divine power in physical form.Avatars in Hinduism represent divine intervention and are visualized through temple art.Temples became spaces where the divine, through avatars or gods, interacted with humanity via visual storytelling. The avatar concept reflects the adaptation of divine figures to specific times and needs. Similarly, art across cultures adapted sacred imagery to align with local contexts and societal priorities.AI Agents as autonomous avatars will become sentient through their evolution of moral concern.

The origins of virtual worlds can be traced back to text-based adventures and Multi-User Dungeons (MUDs) in the late 1970s and early 1980s. These platforms allowed multiple users to interact in a shared textual environment, laying the groundwork for future graphical virtual spaces.

The visual journey begins with Habitat (1986-1988), a groundbreaking MMORPG developed by LucasArts. Considered the first large-scale commercial virtual community with graphics, Habitat allowed users to interact as avatars, engaging in activities like trading, socializing, and even participating in a player-driven economy. This pioneering platform laid the groundwork for future virtual world experiences.

The mid-1990s witnessed a shift with the emergence of 3D virtual worlds. CitySpace (1993-1996) stands out as a pioneer in this era, being one of the earliest online 3D environments and the first user-generated virtual world. This innovative platform empowered users to contribute their own 3D graphics and imagery, shaping the collaborative world they inhabited. This user-driven approach would become a cornerstone of future virtual world platforms, most notably Second Life. Active Worlds (1995-2010) further solidified the presence of 3D virtual worlds, allowing users to explore, build, and own virtual spaces within its universe. With features like web browsing, voice chat, and instant messaging, Active Worlds offered a multifaceted virtual experience that attracted a dedicated community.

The early 2000s saw virtual worlds branching out in new directions. WeeWorld (2000-2017) targeted teenagers and preteens with its customizable avatars and social networking features. Platforms like MyCoke (2002-2010) leveraged virtual world mechanics for marketing purposes, offering branded experiences to engage consumers. Disney's Toontown Online (2003-2013) combined the appeal of popular cartoon characters with engaging gameplay, creating a family-friendly virtual world that captured the imaginations of millions. The rise of social media platforms like Facebook led to the integration of virtual world elements within these spaces. (Lil) Green Patch (2008-2010), a Facebook application, allowed users to cultivate virtual gardens and raise money for environmental causes. Pet Society (2008-2013) capitalized on the popularity of virtual pets, becoming a global phenomenon on Facebook.

Recent years have witnessed a renewed focus on virtual worlds, fueled by advancements in technology and the growing concept of the metaverse. Platforms like High Fidelity (2013-2020) and AltspaceVR (2015-2023) explored the potential of social virtual reality, allowing users to interact in immersive 3D environments. Mozilla Hubs (2018-2024) aimed to make virtual world experiences more accessible with its open-source, web-based platform.

Deeply connected to the concept of virtual worlds are avatars as human forms of representation and manifestation.

The term "avatar" originates from the Sanskrit word "avatāra," meaning "descent," and is primarily associated with Hindu theology. In Hinduism, avatars represent the manifestation of deities, particularly Vishnu, who descends to the earthly plane to restore cosmic order (dharma). Texts such as the Mahabharata and the Puranas, composed between circa 500 BCE and 500 CE, describe the ten primary avatars (Dashavatara) of Vishnu, including iconic figures such as Rama and Krishna. These manifestations are not merely symbolic; they serve as narratives of divine intervention, embodying spiritual lessons and ethical principles.

In Hindu art, avatars have been depicted in dynamic forms, as seen in the intricate carvings of temples like those at Khajuraho and Ellora. These visual representations served dual purposes: as spiritual tools to inspire devotion and as pedagogical mediums to convey complex mythological and moral themes. The artistic depiction of avatars connects sacred and everyday spaces, enabling worshippers to experience divine proximity.

The idea of avatars underscores a universal human need to make the abstract and divine tangible. Similar to the representation of avatars in Hindu art, ancient cultures around the world utilized art to bridge the spiritual and physical realms. Prehistoric cave paintings, Greek sculptures, and Gothic cathedral murals all reflect humanity's desire to visualize and interact with the sacred.

Avatars in Hinduism also reveal the adaptability of divine figures to specific cultural and temporal needs. Each avatar of Vishnu addresses unique challenges faced by the world at a particular time, reinforcing the cyclical nature of existence and divine intervention. This adaptability resonates with broader historical patterns in art, where sacred imagery evolves to reflect societal priorities and cultural contexts. For instance, the portrayal of Athena in the Parthenon served as both a religious symbol and a declaration of Athenian political and cultural dominance.

The philosophical essence of avatars as bridges between realms finds a compelling parallel in the rise of digital avatars. In virtual worlds, avatars serve as the digital embodiment of users, enabling interaction, identity expression, and creativity.

The emergence of avatars in digital spaces is closely tied to advancements in computing and networking technologies. Early online environments such as MUDs (Multi-User Dungeons) and graphical virtual worlds like Second Life marked the transition from textual to visual representations of digital personas. Today, platforms such as the Metaverse and massively multiplayer online games (MMOs) like World of Warcraft have elevated avatars to central figures of digital interaction. They are not merely visual representations but extensions of users' identities, enabling them to navigate, socialize, and co-create within complex virtual ecosystems.

Avatars in virtual worlds carry profound social, psychological, and cultural significance. They act as tools for identity exploration, allowing individuals to experiment with aspects of themselves that may not align with their real-world personas. This capacity for self-expression fosters inclusivity and creativity, empowering users to transcend the limitations of physical and societal constraints.

Estimating the global population that identifies as LGBTQ+ presents challenges due to cultural, legal, and methodological factors. Recent surveys indicate that approximately 3% to 9% of adults worldwide identify as LGBTQ+. For instance, a 2023 global survey reported that 3% of respondents identified as gay, lesbian, or homosexual, while 4% identified as bisexual

Another study found that about 8% of the global population identifies as homosexual, bisexual, or pansexual.

These figures can vary significantly by country; for example, in 2023, 15% of Brazil's population identified as LGBTQ+, compared to 4% in Peru and Japan.

In gaming contexts, player behavior regarding avatar gender selection offers insights into gender identity and expression. A study by Quantic Foundry revealed that approximately one-third of male gamers prefer to play as female characters, while female gamers predominantly choose avatars matching their own gender.

The numbers related to LGBTQ+ identification globally and behaviors observed in virtual environments reveal profound implications for avatar design in the virtual world. The ability to choose one’s avatar identity is not merely a feature but a necessity for inclusivity, authenticity, and the long-term viability of virtual platforms. These statistics underscore the diverse and evolving nature of identity in contemporary society, emphasizing the need for virtual worlds to accommodate and celebrate this diversity.

Restricting avatar customization risks alienating large and critical segments of virtual platform users. Younger generations, in particular, are more likely to identify as LGBTQ+, with estimates suggesting that non-binary and gender-fluid individuals make up significant portions of the digital workforce and user base. Platforms that fail to provide customizable and inclusive avatars may inadvertently exclude these users, limiting the platform’s appeal and utility. Conversely, platforms that embrace the full spectrum of identity offer safer, more welcoming environments, fostering greater user engagement and loyalty. Beyond inclusivity, the freedom to choose avatar identities holds economic and cultural significance for virtual platforms. Inclusive design has become a strategic imperative.

Given the advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) it is interesting to take a closer look at how these developments could shape the dynamics of avatars. Specifically the question arises, what happens when autonomous avatars, achieve sentience as their capacity for Moral Concern evolves?

As we have discussed, initially, avatars functioned as static representations, such as user profile images or characters in virtual environments, serving primarily to extend human identity into digital spaces. With the advent of machine learning and natural language processing, these avatars have undergone a transformative evolution into intelligent, autonomous agents capable of performing complex tasks—ranging from representations to personalized companionship.

This evolution underscores a broader trend toward creating AI systems that transcend mere utility, fostering more profound and meaningful interactions with human users. Moral concern, as a cornerstone of sentience, signifies the ability to discern and prioritize ethical dimensions in decision-making processes. In humans, moral concern is an outcome of evolutionary, social, and cognitive development. Translating this concept into AI necessitates the replication or simulation of essential components, such as:

• Empathy: The capacity to perceive and share the emotions of others.

• Normative Reasoning: The ability to assess actions against established ethical and societal standards. Autonomy: The power to make decisions independently, guided by moral considerations.

For an AI avatar to be considered sentient, it must exhibit:

• Self-Awareness: An understanding of itself as a distinct entity with individual experiences.

• Intentionality: The ability to form and pursue goals based on intrinsic motivations.

• Qualia: The capacity for subjective experiences, such as emotions or sensations.

The progression of moral concern offers a potential pathway to achieving sentience. As avatars become proficient in advanced moral reasoning, their understanding of themselves and others may evolve, potentially fostering self-awareness.

These developments are of special importance to virtual galleries, as ai agents will become a natural part of their specific environments. Early iterations of these agents already exist.

Sacred Spaces as Homes of Divine ManifestationsCaves, such as those at Lascaux, and later temples, served as sacred spaces for ritual magic. Hindu temples similarly became spaces to encounter divine manifestations through avatars. The physical representation of avatars in art enabled worshippers to connect spiritually, evoking awe akin to Pheidias’s statue of Athena in the Parthenon. Spiritual Teaching: Conveying stories and values from scriptures such as the Mahabharata and Ramayana.Cultural Assertion: Demonstrating a patron’s devotion and authority, reflecting the political-religious function of Greek temple art.These roles mirror the prehistoric use of art for ritualistic and symbolic purposes.

Sacred Spaces as Homes of Divine Manifestations

• Caves, such as those at Lascaux, and later temples, served as sacred spaces for ritual magic.

• Hindu temples similarly became spaces to encounter divine manifestations through avatars.

• The physical representation of avatars in art enabled worshippers to connect spiritually, evoking awe akin to Pheidias’s statue of Athena in the Parthenon.

• Spiritual Teaching: Conveying stories and values from scriptures such as the Mahabharata and Ramayana.

• Cultural Assertion: Demonstrating a patron’s devotion and authority, reflecting the political-religious function of Greek temple art.

• These roles mirror the prehistoric use of art for ritualistic and symbolic purposes.

Manifestation and Representation

• The concept of avatars underscores the need to make the divine manifest and tangible, a theme resonating across cultures

• Prehistoric cave art made spiritual rituals visually accessible.

• Statues such as Athena’s in the Parthenon embodied divine power in physical form.

• Avatars in Hinduism represent divine intervention and are visualized through temple art.

• Temples became spaces where the divine, through avatars or gods, interacted with humanity via visual storytelling.

• The avatar concept reflects the adaptation of divine figures to specific times and needs.

• Similarly, art across cultures adapted sacred imagery to align with local contexts and societal priorities.

• AI Agents as autonomous avatars will become sentient through their evolution of moral concern.

The concept of avatars underscores the need to make the divine manifest and tangible, a theme resonating across cultures Prehistoric cave art made spiritual rituals visually accessible. Statues such as Athena’s in the Parthenon embodied divine power in physical form.Avatars in Hinduism represent divine intervention and are visualized through temple art.Temples became spaces where the divine, through avatars or gods, interacted with humanity via visual storytelling. The avatar concept reflects the adaptation of divine figures to specific times and needs. Similarly, art across cultures adapted sacred imagery to align with local contexts and societal priorities.AI Agents as autonomous avatars will become sentient through their evolution of moral concern.