There is one thing I can't help and that's being controversial, I sometimes say what I think and forgo the consequences for the sake of freedom of speech and the perspective of myself. For this freedom I do ruffle a few feathers and end up having a whole storm of abuse thrown at me... But life's dealt me a tough hand and sometimes I have to be true to myself and ideals :)
Okay here goes.... And trust me this is no personal attack on any individuals.
There as you all know that there are many people on SL and from all walks of life, but there is a marked difference with people that spend a lot of time in SL and those who are in when they can. It doesn't seem to matter where they are in the world, in time people fall into the pattern and ways.
Now I can hear you saying what the hell is he talking about!! Okay let me try and explain, without trying to upset to many people.. If I inadvertently do upset someone, that was never my intention!
What I have noticed is this, the people that spend a lot of time on SL are more inclined to take it far more seriously than people that are in for a few hours and then off... Also it would appear the long timers will spend most of there time working in one form or another in world, that's not to say people that fly in and out don't work because I certainly do and many others I know do as well.. I am thinking about this at what point does the being in SL become so important that it then becomes life? I have talked to a few people and I will not lie... these people really do breath SL.. and OMG if they can get online its like the world has ended... What drives people to have this total subversive involvement and draw to SL... Yes I know its addictive! But when does that addiction become a total compulsive need to do nothing but think of SL, 24/7 and be there 7 days a week...
Its the level of being fanatical about it is my real lack of understanding... Says me writing this for a blog about me and SL lol... I am really interested to find out what makes people behave the way they do and the total and almost blinkered way they start to look at SL...
I can answer that question for you Jester. I work for myself, am single and so I do not tend to go out that much. yes I have a close circle of friends who I meet from time to time, but can't afford to be out spending money all the time. So instead of sitting home watching television until my eyes droop, I go onto SL as i have work, hobbies, friends etc & this is conatct with humans along with mental stimulation & also a retreat from all the stresses that RL throw at us these days.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your input Anonymous, I fully understand that there is a place for SL in all our lives. And I know for me like you have said its an escape from the daily stress that RL has to offer. My point was that there are people that appear to be on there 24/7, now that can not be good for them or there real lives.. Most of us have the ability to balance RL and SL, and if you are working for yourself then you can fully appreciate that you need to get out of bed and go to work, this in itself instigates contact with others which as you point out is a big think for us as humans.
ReplyDeleteBut I think for those that sadly don't have that need to get out of bed due to the worlds ever increasing un-employment and general poor world economy, this can not be good to be so absorbed in SL that being in SL is the only means of communication or contact with the outside world.. I guess my opinions might seem a little harsh maybe?