My Second Life Comes to an End
Perhaps my biggest worry when I embarked upon this project was that I would become completely enthralled within and addicted to my SL; so much so that it would begin to impede upon my first. But alas, I did not. If I had I probably would have done a lot better within this project!
While I did feel I experienced some amazing artistic endevours, I found general second life to be a little lacking. Even though I was sceptical about joining SL, I secretly thought it may become my new favourite place. However, at times I found myself forcing engagement and participation. Othertimes, when engaged, my internet would lag and the world would loose me.
Having said that, I am particularly glad that I chose SL as my subject for this assignment and I guess I could say I would rather be a “faker” than inexperienced (not that I feel that SL is faking at all). I do feel I have a much more informed opinion of the world and did learn a lot during my [short] time there.
While I began my experience thinking that SL is merely Baudrillard’s simulacrum realised, I soon learnt that “people’s experiences and memories in a virtual world are as real as any other, as real as a telephone conversation” (Freeman in Banjo 2008, p.1). But even when one is on the telephone there is one inescapable truth; you can never forget RL; No matter how much you try, you can never escape your first life.
Being a part of SL has definately been interesting though, because it made me realise that it is changing some issues in the real world. This can be seen in how SL and virtual worlds are helping change definitions of copyright. But again, first life is never escapable and many modern issues are prevelant in-world. SL mimics RL as consequently fosters individualism and consumerism.
To me, SL is most effective when used as an art space. Only in a virtual world is one able to let go of the restraints of reality to delve deeply into a critique of it. That, combined with some amazing artistic ability, allows for truly unique and innovative art to grow. This is the one area of SL that will continue to excite and inspire me; I will definately return to SL for the sake of art.
This is not where SL is most effective for community as a whole however, with the fact that it can breakdown social barriers for those in need being its best asset. While for many it is impossible to escape the stigma of SL, it allows people with disabilities (both mental and physical) to experience and socialise when they may not be able to. It can also be beneficial in situations such as homosexuality in small towns. Because of this SL is a real benefit to those in a difficult social situations.
I am thankful that I ventured into this whole new world, but I am also thankful that it is over for now the pressure I experienced to maintain my SL is dropped, I may just be able to enjoy it casually… rather casually, I think!
And to finish I leave you with some photos from my trip in world and beyond…
My visiting Egypt. Being worshiped was definately a plus.
Me at stonehenge (above) and me floating at stonehenge (below).
And finally, me sitting on a dead bird, like you do.
References:
Banjo, D 2008, ‘RL recession could fuel virtual boom’, Slnn.com, http://slnn.com/article/recession-fuels-virtual, viewed October 25th 2008.
