Studies on importance of Second Life continues to grow
I can not help but notice as I wander through blogs that I continue to find students such as “Miss Brightside” attempting to bring the value or values of Second Life into question on college campuses and classrooms.
Kelly’s question for study is ‘Why does someone escape real life to create a second, virtual life in
cyberspace and spend hours and hours in this ‘fake’ world? What is
wrong with real life?’. Which she hopes to get college credit.
Kelly appears to be a 20 something German student who is bright and articulate, and I am not sure which side of the fence she will come down on.
Kelly if you get around to reading this just please read Caliandris Pendragon’s Why Second Life CAN be taken seriously as it is well written and may offer a little insight on some of the benefits of Second Life.
Which ever side of the fence you fall to Best of luck with your professor, and your studies.
January 19th, 2007 • 
Weirdharold • 
comment | January 20, 2007 at 11:02 | individual comment-link
Thanks for the encouragment for my exam on friday
It might seem as if I am bringing the value of Second Life into question, but it’s more complicated than that. It’s not just about my judgement on such online communities (although I’ll say it loud and clear now: I’m NOT against these projects, I consider them to be interesting alternative social networks), I’m just intrigued by the way people set value on these sites, on these virtual worlds. And I can’t imagine spending 40 hours a week on a virtual life, and spend money in a virtual world. I’m not judging this, not at all, but it’s just hard for me to understand the motives of these SL inhabitants… What an interesting world
comment | January 20, 2007 at 11:49 | individual comment-link
Kelly,
First off let me thank you for taking the time to not only read, but taking the time to comment. I am so very much encouraged by comments… even negative ones for you who may be reading this….
Second, I imagine it is harder for a twenty something to view possible change in the way the internet may be presented in the future. Unlike us old fogies who before you were born could never imagine so many computers being owned by individuals, not to mention the internet itself. The first computer I saw took a three story building to house and would do less than a modern calculator.
It is a natural reaction to be resistant to change, even if you can understand it. I feel that interaction with others around the world is worth spending a part of my time, and it is a lot more enjoyable to be able to interact with at least a representation of people. Mingling with people from around the world will make the world a smaller and more understanding environment. I am of the belief, when you reach my age (54) you will not recognize the internet by today’s standard.
I could be totally wrong about this, but it will take a lot of convincing to change my mind.
Many are motivated to give so much time in Second Life because, maybe for the first time in their life, their creative side is stimulated. The ability to create objects in second life is such that a person would never have to spend a nickel if they decide to learn enough to create their own needs. I admit there is a huge learning curve for one to master tasks available in Second Life, but the opportunity is there for each that enters the “world” (notice I never use the word game?)
Oh, let me push my soapbox back under the bed… I could go on and on! I want you to know I appreciate your open mind, and your lack of fear to express your opinion.
Here is hoping your exam went well for you!
Harold