PERILAKU KOMUNIKASI PEMAIN GAME SOSIAL VRCHAT DI DALAM DUNIA VIRTUAL (Studi Pada Anggota Komunitas Game Sosial VRChat Indonesia)

The aim of this research is to understand the communication behavior of VRChat players within the virtual world based on the media morphosis theory proposed by Roger Fidler. The research method employed is descriptive qualitative research using purposive sampling techniques. Data obtained are analyzed using the interactive model by Miles and Huberman. The findings reveal that the communication behavior of VRChat players closely resembles communication in the real world. This includes how they make friends, discuss conversation topics, and engage in various activities within the virtual worlds of VRChat. Due to the virtual nature of the interaction and the use of avatars, VRChat players tend to rely on the intonation of their conversation partners and accurate body gestures of avatars (for virtual reality device users) to overcome nonverbal communication barriers.