Over the last two years, I've had some interesting discussions and even arguments with folks on whether SL is a "game" or not. And my final conclusion is that it is different things to different people. For me it's a game/past time that I use to satisfy my social cravings and let me play with a few fantasies. The title of my blog explains some about that... I love burlesque, but that's pretty much out of the question in my RL, so I get to "play one on TV". I can't, nor would I want to be a demon, neko, vampire, fairy... but sometimes it's fun to pretend! I think in a lot of ways, I never outgrew the desire to play dress up. :)
I know that for some of my friends who have very troubling and/or traumatic RLs, that SL is absolutely NOT a game, it's an extension of their RL. They go there when they can't cope with some of the issues that have come up in their RL. It can be a place to hide, a place to safely explore or experiment with hidden fantasies, a place to learn more about themselves. They have hit the pinacle of happiness and the pit of depression. I've had the chance to learn and grow within myself as well, but I've always had some very strong boundaries that I think in alot of ways have helped me maintain my own sanity and keep me from getting completely swept away by the fantasies.
I love my RL and that really helps me keep a firm grip on my reality. I really think that if I wasn't as grounded in RL... it would have been far easier to loose myself in the posibilites that SL presents. My husband spends works the graveyard shifts, so I don't get out much at night, so SL for me is a great social outlet that lets me meet new people, visit with friends and just have fun while I'm at home with sleeping little ones.
Second Life is, in my humble opinion, what you make of it. That's the beauty and the danger. It can be a tool, a game, or an addiction and you have to figure out how to safely explore and enjoy without letting it ruin your RL. So go out there, and live... love... and enjoy your world!
If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome. ~Anne Bradstreet
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11 years ago
4 comments:
Very good post, Ahnya! I know I tend to bristle when people say 'playing' second life, so that says something about my mindset.
I know how my brain works, and I think I would consider SL an actual fully developed 'life' in virtual form, whether my first life was happy or sad. I have a writer/creator brain, and SL is an amazing arena for me to let my muses romp freely and create their own lifestyles.
Besides that though... I fully admit it can be an escape from the stresses and problems of daily life. I'll be honest and say that some nights I do that. Other nights, it's just too damn cold outside and I want to go sightseeing. It's always warm in SL! :D
*laughs and nods* It IS always warm in SL! Though I've found when I'm cold in RL, Ahnya always winds up in long sleeves. I do love the ability to do or be whatever you want to be, just for me I need to think of it as a game that I can walk away from so that I don't take things too seriously.
Not that I think that issues that come up aren't serious... they really are and have the potential for great harm. Real people get really hurt when things go haywire. I just have to keep in mind that it's a game for me, and make sure that the folks that I spend time with know the difference between me and Ahnya.
This is a truly wonderful post Ahnya! And so very true. SL is what you make of it. I have found that I have been swept away/hurt by SL, and I believe it's because I did need/want to escape my RL. I go in now clearheaded and with a new set of strong boundaries myself.
*gives Bettye a smooch* Even with my boundaries I've occasionally had issues where I got hurt, which is why I added the quote at the end. Sometimes it's the pain that reminds me of how pleasurable everything else is. Love you!
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