The virtual world has a way of sucking a person in and
spitting them out years later with their head spinning. Some move on to bigger
things while others continue the virtual path in search of something that needs
to be fulfilled in their life.
My inspiration for
this article comes from a friend I recently spoke to about his virtual world
experience and how he feels he let 6 years slip away with a snap of his fingers.
I can certainly relate to how years can fly by in a virtual world but I also
think that unless you are involved in something great that leads to positive
changes in your real life, the virtual world can be very fulfilling or for
some, a waste of time that they could be spending in the real world.
People involved in virtual worlds spend their time doing
an assortment of things that satisfy their creativity and personal needs. Some
venture around Second Life in search of companionship because it may be
difficult for them in the real world due to social awkwardness or anxiety.
Others come from loveless marriages or live in loneliness and are looking for
that feeling of being loved and needed. Those things can be found in Second
life, but does it mean there are real emotions involved or just an illusion
that takes away from the words “living life”?
The only thing that cannot be bought or reversed is time.
Can a balance be made? Is it possible to have two lives
and still have time for “living life to the fullest, without looking back at
years gone by with nothing to show for it?
Other people that are involved in Second Life have
mastered a balance between the real world and Second Life. They use the virtual
world platform to network and socialize in a 3d world with friends and even
meet with relatives that live in different states or even countries. The
emotional bonds in these situations are real because these people know each
other in the physical world. They use second life as a communication technology
that allows them to get involved in activities while voicing, sharing photos,
working and existing on the same platform. Many also use communication tools
like Skype video chat, streaming and messenger to stay in touch.
Business in Second Life can be a full time job to others.
This translates into a considerable amount of time spent seated at a computer
desk and in a trance from the real world happenings around them. Unless the person is making enough money to
sustain their financial needs in the real world, it is just a supplemental
income.
I set out to see what some avatars that have spent 2-7 years in Second Life say about their time
spent and how they balance both worlds.
Lanai:
How long have you been in Second Life?
Dave: 1 yr 4 months
KEVIN M THOMAS: Since 10/2007
Kiana: A little over 4 years.
Geo: 3 years
Sonicity: 7 years
Shiran: 3 years
Krissy: Since 10/19/2006
Lanai:
What do you do in Second Life?
Dave: I take advantage of a few options. In SL, like RL I like to travel /
explore. I visit real world places in
SL. To me it feels like mini vacations. I also go to movies in SL, sail on the Blake
Sea, and spend time on the aviation sims.
Kevin: I am a Musician
Kiana: Own a Modeling Agency, Model, Blog, Dj...
Geo: mostly sex
Sonicity: I am a media maker and educator in real and
SL. In Second Life, I create media,
report on events and activities for Best of SL Magazine, and have written for
other publications. I have also
interviewed many celebrities and notables because of Second Life. I also do a lot of cross-over publications
into real life. That's been very
exciting to connect with people across the world. My real and virtual really create quite a mix
reality for me, with both worlds blurring in terms of work colleagues and friendships. For example, my machinima reviews are
published in real life academic journals.
My work associates are also my best friends.
Shiran: I am the sole owner of Two Moon Paradise and moderator
for the American Cancer Society caregiver group
Krissy: I run a suicide/ depression prevention program in
SL
Lanai:
Do you feel that your time spent here was worth every minute?
Dave: Yes. I've
found this experience to be very positive.
It is a place to explore your creative side. I am very impressed with the detail of the
many sims and the diversity of personalities one comes across.
Kevin: Yes
Kiana: That would depend on the day...lol. I feel that
the people I have met here that I am honored to call my family and friends are
worth every minute and then some.
Geo: I don’t know
Sonicity: Well not
every second. But I don't regret being a
resident of a virtual world, and I see myself as a resident - I live here as well as in RL, and work in
both worlds fluidly.
Shiran: yes totally
Krissy: Yes
Lanai:
How do you balance both RL and SL?
Dave: I believe
it's a work in progress - LOL. The key
to balance for me is prioritizing your day.
Top (3) things for RL. Top (3)
things for SL. If you use your time
wisely, you can log into SL every day.
Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance.
Kevin: I perform about 15 shows a week it is a challenge
but so very rewarding.
Kiana: RL always comes first, no matter what. I try to
schedule activities in SL at times when I know I can be online.
Geo: I go to SL when I am free
Sonicity: It's just life;
SL and RL are the same for me.
Shiran: I work in rl and also I work on the sim in sl. my
time must be divided between the both. I allow only a certain amount of time to
sl so that there is a good balance for me.
Krissy: I find for
me I have to get my rl chores done first and then I let myself enjoy my time in
sl.
Lanai:
Have you made a profit on your investments here?
Dave: I have not gone into a business here. I've joined a few groups, but their mission
statements were not to make a profit.
I've invested my time here and I've met some amazing people &
groups. I've heard people have become
successful in some revenue matters. I
think that is inspiring.
Kevin: I have. It
has been a tough few years recently however there is money to be made it just
takes a lot of commitment and constant fan interaction and new song additions.
Kiana: I have made some profit when I was breeding
KittyCats. However my shopping far exceeds any profit I make...lol.
Geo: nothing only loss. I made some money working and I
lost all on girls and now I am homeless.
Sonicity: In a
sense, I have profited via experience that has translated to real life
opportunities in my media work, my published books, and ability to teach media
in the virtual (now in my own sim as
well as now at my university sim (in partnership with the University of Western
Australia).
Shiran: No, I was not inclined to make a profit when I
started I was and am here specifically to help others and that is exactly what
I have done
Krissy: Emotionally/ satisfaction yes. financially no
Lanai:
Does your in world income help you in the real world, If so in what way?
Kevin: It helps in a minor way but negligible. I perform online mostly because I love it and
I love my friends who support me and the venues. They are most generous with their time and
money. I could not ask for a greater
group of friends.
Kiana: When I was breeding cats, I did take income out of
SL. It was my "mad money" that I used on things that I may not have
bought otherwise. (Spa Day)
Geo: not at all
Sonicity: It helps a bit in terms of paying a few tiers,
but really my SL has helped my real life career in so many amazing ways.
Shiran: no
Krissy: no
Lanai:
Do you feel you spend enough time with family and friends outside of Second
Life?
Dave: Absolutely.
My RL is supportive of everything I do.
There is enough enough time in your day if you plan correctly. Plus, my SL & RL are an open book. Some people divide that wall but for me it's
a revolving door. I do not let drama
into my life and both worlds are balanced.
Kevin: Yes
Kiana: Yes, I love my family and friends, and I spend
lots of time with them outside of SL.
Geo: yes
Sonicity: Time?
Well as much as my kids want to spend with me. I love to go the movies and shopping in real
life - even the park! Love parks! In real
life, I also record and study sound as art and practice. I have a collection of carnival sounds -
haha! Just let me know when you want to go, and I'm there. I have a very flexible schedule, and I have
worked hard to make it so that way.
Shiran: Yes, I do
Krissy: yes, i do not live close to my family so I skye
often with them
Lanai:
What advice would you give Sl residents that spent a lot of time in the virtual
world?
Dave: Enjoy yourself in Second Life. SL is a wonderful tool use it to your
advantage; make it a positive experience.
Life isn't about finding yourself.
Life is about creating yourself.
Kevin: Life is about balance. Taking one step at
time. Making sure you share enough of
yourself with everyone.
Kiana: Never lose sight of your RL. SL is a great place
to do so many wonderful things, but at the end of the day RL must always be top
priority.
Geo: if u have no life in rl go to sl and if u have no
life in sl go to rl
Sonicity: Be sure that you are doing something that will
make you feel better about yourself.
And if you catch yourself lost in here, and become part of some drama,
it's time to reflect on why you are here.
There are tons of experiences waiting for you that are positive! Why replicate what you don't like in Second
Life in an alternative universe. Find
great friends - Belinda Barnes, Lowe Runo, Persia Bravin, and Kara Trapdoor -
and so many others - have been here with
me through my journey - so find some friends with the same interests as you, or
be open to the possibility of trying new things - mentally healthy things - and
please don't forget about the importance of breathing in some fresh air and
taking a walk around the block.
Shiran: Make sure that you are happy when you are here
and that you are giving to others and to yourself in a positive way. If you
feel you are spending too much time then you are, just say ok one hour and then
I must go. Be disciplined
Krissy: Make an investment in learning something new all
the time. Remember this should be fun.
These avatars gave some good advice. Finding happiness in
what you do in both worlds seems to be the key to fulfillment and balance.
Maintaining this balance and sharing your time with the people that make you
happy in both worlds is where you find harmony.
Like Jerry Springer would say, “take care of yourself…and each other”.
-Lanai
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Great article
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