My+Second+Life

"If we had a choice, each of us would rather receive a hug, than an e-card."** -Schultze Pg. 170

=My Second Life= by Tom Buchanan

[|Schultze], in chapter seven, introduces the debate between those who believe that we now have the technology to build community without the encumbrance of geographic location, and those who believe that cultural practices depend upon proximity. The author is an obvious advocate for the later. Encouraged by [|Scot], and the requirements of EDFL 675, I have ventured into what is probably cyber-cultures best effort, to date, of attempting community in an online environment. I have an avatar, Thomas Brandenburg, that has now visited Second Life numerous times and has met all kinds of people from all around the real life world. Thomas Brandenburg has also met numerous educators, primarily people interested in distance learning and learning through Second Life. And, of course, I have met up with Scot a couple of times in this virtual world.

What is most fascinating about Second Life is that it attempts to overcome several of the notable shortfalls of online communication: -Participants share a local; -Participants pursue both the common good and personal endeavors; -You can stand in a circle of recognizable persons and faces; -And, depending on where you are in Second Life, an attempt has sometimes been made at creating rules for people to follow, a moral compass, if you will.

I can not say, however, my experience in Second Life, has convinced me that community is possible without proximity. For one thing, there are no hugs. You can’t actually touch someone in SL, and that is definitely a part of Real Life community.

Another thing that is part of community is hospitality. There are a few aspects of hospitality that are, at least, simulated in Second Life. People often welcome you, for example, and try to make you feel that they have time for you. You can go into virtual buildings and the owners often act as though they are glad you are there.

I believe, however, that there is a huge part of hospitality, the offer to meet basic needs, that just can’t be achieved in a virtual world. My avatar has eaten a virtual turkey dinner at a virtual table with others, but I am never satisfied. Thomas Brandenburg has sat by the fire, but he feels no heat. He can sit and watch the ocean, but there is no breeze. He can lie down for a power nap, but he does not feel rested. My avatar has had several glasses of lemonade and ice tea, but my thirst is never quenched. When I go into someone’s home in real life, all of these things are commonly offered me by my host. In Second Life, they may also be offered, but these needs can never be met in a virtual world. Thus, it is hard to be Jesus in a virtual world, as so much of what he does, has to do with meeting basic needs… giving cups of water, loaves of fish, handshakes, hugs, or a pat on the back... none of this is possible in Second Life. After a few weeks in Second Life, I have decided that true community does depend upon proximity. I would rather have a hug than an e-card.

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