The Ontology of Vtuber in the Era of Virtual Reality：Companion, Performance, Record

Principle Investigator：Wei-chih Wang

This study aims to construct an ontological discourse on the emerging media phenomenon of Vtubers (Virtual YouTubers) in recent years. Through an analysis of Vtuber performance strategies and consumer behavior, this project posits vtubers as the latest evolutionary outcome of the intertwined digital technology and human perceptual reality. The significance of Vtuber concerning humans lies in their embodiment of the digital prosthesis, to borrow Bernard Stiegler's theoretical concept. The media specificity of vtuber allows humans to transcend physical limitations, evolving into a hybrid species that exist in both virtual and real dimensions. Vtubers create profound material records of their existence while establishing connections with other human beings. Therefore, vtuber, as a form of digital performance, bring an alternative possibility for self-construction to a global audience. Moreover, in the post-pandemic era, they have paved the way for their participants to experience freedom in transmedia interaction.