Sexualized avatars affect the real world, Stanford researchers find

http://news.stanford.edu/news/2013/october/virtual-female-avatars-100913.html

A Stanford study shows that after women wear sexualized avatars in a virtual reality world, they feel objectified and are more likely to accept rape myths in the real world. The research could have implications for the role of female characters in video games.

http://network.associationofvirtualworlds.com/forum/topics/avatars-and-realism?xg_source=activity

KINECT-POWERED AMUSEMENT PARK WILL BLOW YOUR MIND

http://news.discovery.com/tech/kinect-powered-amusement-park-120206.html

Visitors wear RFID wristbands so that Kinect sensors can distinguish their movements, faces and voices. They are encouraged to create an avatar of themselves so they can interact with the attractions.Holograms, 3D video and augmented reality technology are used to enhance visitors' virtual tour with an array of exhibits, such as:

“Hello Avatar: Rise of the Networked Generation,” by B. Coleman

http://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/books/hello-avatar-rise-of-the-networked-generation-by-b-coleman/2011/11/15/gIQAXF85yO_story.html

the term “X-reality” (or cross-reality) to get at the way that our online experiences are actual and empowering. 

Scientists project humans into avatars

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/4b4f16e0-3aca-11e0-9c1a-00144feabdc0.html#axzz1EhgdlLoj

getting more blurred between real and virtual worlds

http://video.ft.com/v/793877832001/Virtual-reality-avatars-how-they-work