Is Second Life similar enough to the real world for our research collection techniques to be appropriate? Why or why not? - Rand G

I would argue that yes, Second Life is similar enough to RL that our research collection techniques are relevant and should be applied. Reading through the forums, I've noticed objections from citizens of SL that mirror the concerns of real world people. Issues regarding land, taxation, and development are topics of interest for those who engage in Second Life, just as they are for members of our society. Groups are formed over common interests. Physical appearance is representative of one's personality/desires. Games are played. Dance clubs are filled. Sound, video, and landscapes are enjoyed. A new method of research collection is not pressing and/or necessary to understand Second Life. Transcribing exactly what we see and hear, and then studying patterns that emerge would still be the best way to research Second Life, from a qualitative perspective.

While I do believe that our research collection techniques are applicable to Second Life, I do not necessarily believe that the conclusions we draw are representative of our real world society; rather, they are reflective of the Second Life community alone. When people interact online, they take on completely different personalities. I remember when Instant Messenger was first becoming popular among my friends and classmates. A few of the shy kids, who would barely ever string together two thoughts at one time, had all of the sudden transformed into social butterflies. They'd hold multiple conversations at one time; orchestrating weekend plans, making jokes, and spreading gossip. There was no physical delivery required, and so a huge burden of self-consciousness had been lifted. Self-concsiouness, restraint, and insecurity all play important roles in governing human behavior in the Real World. In Second Life, people feel a lot less confined. They can act loose, relaxed, or irresponsible. It is a lot less embarrassing to find oneself in an awkward situation in Second Life than it is in the Real World. As we've witnessed through observing other users, as well as some our classmates, Second Life users can sometimes feel completely free to expresss themselves sexually, change genders, bad-mouth and disrespect others, or take up a life of prostitution. These are activities and attitudes that the users, more than likely, would not assume in the Real World.