After taking a look around on the official website of "Second Life", it seems that there are many elements to this relatively new social networking game. It is a 3D virtual world which allows users to interact with each other using their own created avatars. It was created for play but now is being used for bigger purposes. It allows different businesses and organizations to use the game in multiple ways. Wired.com reports that business school students are able to test their entrepreneurial talents using SL, as well as for abused children to rediscover social skills. This type of social networking can open many doors for its' users. People can interact, build social skills, learn to collaborate, and practice computer skills in what is known as virtual communities. Meeting other people who share the same interests can help facilitate and develop these connections.
However, social networking tools and applications cannot replace real life socialization. While these tools can bring people together, it can also bring them apart. With people spending more time online and being well-connected, they lose face to face contact and might start to isolate themselves. Everything must be done in moderation. Cyberspace cannot replace real life interactions.
I totally agree that everything must be done in moderation. It is very important to try and take the positives from something without absorbing the negatives. I think that if a person can take what he has learned from using SL and apply it to his "real life", then SL could and would have a positive effect on him. But, as was seen in the PBS program, sometimes the internet and social networks can be used to bring reality into cyberspace, so to speak. I think your idea of "doing things in moderation" is great in that it helps us weigh the different aspects of good and bad on SL.
ReplyDeleteI agress,too much of one thing is not too good.Virtual life is not only bad, but it somtimes help people find them self.Then i would say your are right because a person can get caught up too much and set themself apart from socity. Therefore three should be a limit the amount if time which people are online and never move away from the real world.
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