About This Project

This project spawned out of another project that I did earlier for this class. It examined how technology affects human development through Bronfenbrenner’s ecological model, which states that in order to understand development, one must examine all spheres in which it occurs. That presentation concluded that Second Life contained its own spheres. This one differs in that it examines Second Life as its own sphere of development. The only difference is that one is able to control the kind of effect it has on oneself because one can simply choose not to utilize it at any time. Cultural influences are pervasive. They are inescapable. Conforming and nonconforming both have their consequences, but Second Life does not exert such pressures on its residents.

This project is most ostensibly about identity on the internet and the relationship with the avatar. I found this to be especially interesting in Second Life because it is a virtual world that is not a game. This is to say that there are no goals, objectives, or priorities and one is essentially given a free pass to do anything. This leads to a highly individualized experience on the site, which can be overwhelming for some and liberating for others. The first step is learning how to navigate the virtual world, which provides obstacles in itself. When people have no idea where they are going or what they are supposed to do, they tend to explore or stay put, unable to move. It is fascinating that something as simple as knowing what button makes you fly and how you can customize your avatar can be such a roadblock. Knowledge is so important in the virtual world and without it, one can be completely stymied, especially when there is no clear purpose to the confusion.

I was not trying to find out what the purpose of virtual worlds is or judge those who actively participate in them, but explore the many experiences, from everyday people to technojunkie bloggers to journalists on assignment. Their collective reactions comprise the opinions expressed in the quotes on many of the pages.