Second Life Helps People Find Real Life
I’m totally fascinated with how Second Life becomes a platform for people to practice their real life but without the barriers.
In real life I can’t fly but I can in Second Life. Second Life becomes a metaphor. It seems like you can act something out there (something you would be too afraid to try in real life). You can try on ideas without feeling like if you do you will be stuck with them forever. You are somewhat free of judgment which frees you to try new things.
Many people get sucked into the darker side of Second Life where deviant behavior is alright to act out. I’ve heard it transfers right into real life. So I guess, watch what you ask for. But, you can also do a lot of good too, if that is your desire.
Inside of Second Life you can learn to start a business. You can give presentations. You can overcome physical barriers (like if you are handicapped and cannot walk in real life). This Wired article on Second Life is inspiring. I only wish I had more time to play.
2 Responses to “Second Life Helps People Find Real Life”
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March 17th, 2007 at 10:33 am
Janet, I disagree. I started hearing about Second Life and so I created an account, but that first day, it seemed creepy and too much of a mirage-life, so I never went back on.
I think it’s one thing to use technology to enhance your real life, but feel that it’s dangerous to use technology to create a new persona and as a space to “be” another person. I’d rather try out things I want to do in my actual life, real-time mistakes and all.
Brrr– no “Second Life” for me.
March 18th, 2007 at 8:34 pm
I think Sam Harrelson got my words on a recent podcast with Fraser in UK.
“You don’t use Second Life, Second Life uses you”-
as someone who has explored the social depths quite a bit you might be surprised to know there are many, many people there with cancer, or disabled, or have debiliatating diseases.
I think technology is enhancing their lives…don’t assume everyone’s life is the same
There are some who adapt “new personas”and others who see the avatar (shadow consumer) as digital extensions of themselves.
it is not all “seedy sex”- that just gets sensationalized. that has been going on all over the Net for years…
regards,
Wayne
http://www.revenews.com/wayneporter/
http://www.wayneporter.com