Second Life Response Questions for Art and Tech

1.   Do you think SL is educational?

The educational aspect of second life is submerged or even hidden beneath the layer of distractions that are presented to you in such an un-realistic environment. The amount of options one has is unlimited. It is easier to get caught up in the social environment than the learning one. Second life could be used as an education tool as long as the education is goal driven. One could gather information in so many different forms that the line between educational and just interactive can be blurred. Educational information can come from visiting certain areas and sitting in on information sessions, or just by happening to start a conversation with the right person. Newer users may hesitate or take longer to pin point these educational situations or places, because of the infinite other options that are presented to them.

2.    What did you do there? What was something you realized?

I tried visiting many destinations but could not find any highly populated destinations. Places like New York City and San Diego seemed almost desolate. People I would try to have a conversation with would just walk away. I realized that once I found any populated areas, that people were more interested in the environment (party environment) than talking to me. The areas with the most people I found were at X rated areas like “nude island”. 

3.    Is this experience an alternative to real life for you?

No. The lack of physical human interaction, or the beauty lost in the virtual quality of the "second life" does not intrigue me personally. 

4.    What differences do you see in SL and your real life?

Second life allows you to detach whom you are and who you want to be seen as. Besides physical appearance, your location and response to the environment can allow you to create a entirely different persona.

5.    Do you think it is dangerous?

Second life, to me, is only dangerous when you neglect your “real” life and submerge yourself in the alternate universe you have created. Attachment to such a fictional environment can, im my opinion, cause users to disregard the issue that who they meet may not actually be real. Submergence in the second life can lead users to forget who the avatar is and who they really are. 

6.    Do you think you could learn about things you are interested in?

Possibly. If I could take the time to figure out where to go to learn things.

7.    What did you think of the other avatars? Describe your interactions with them.

The other avatars were very extravagant. Because I was obviously new, other users were not keen on carrying on a conversation with me. Also, I struggled with finding a densely populated area. It almost seemed that I was chasing down people to try and to talk to them. Which may have seemed creepy.

8.    What are the advantages to SL?

I can allow an escape for people who struggle with human interaction, or have social issues. It can allow them to learn and explore while maybe anxiety may hold them back in the physical world. It could also work for those who feel that they are not satisfied with who they are and second life is a quick and easy alternative escape for them.

9.    What are the disadvantages?

1. Getting caught up in a virtual environment that does not truly exist.

2. Neglecting day to day responsibilities

3. Corrupting or substituting real relationships with virtual ones

4. Always carries a sense of skepticism as you explore.