Starting Exodus to the Virtual World by Edward Castronova I found myself astounded by what I read. Castronova’s claims throughout the book are frightening to say the least. He discusses how these virtual worlds may lead to a complete change to our culture and in the end we could end up solely online. While I can see his points in many areas, such as the advancement of technology and how it will make life easier for many, I personally cannot imagine making this transition. What he describes is something so artificial and unnatural. There are many gamers out in cyberspace right now who want to escape their
lives and transform into something they are not, however I am not one of them. The main issue is of
avoidance and denial. When you assume these fake identities then you are essentially in denial of your
own life. I don’t think its healthy not to deal with the issues present and escape to a virtual world. Many of the people have greater problems that they need to deal with and instead of developing their social skills and putting themselves out there they hide behind an avatar. While yes there are people whose issues are so extensive and social skills so poor that the only way they would be able to function is through their online personality, this isn’t the case for many of people. Many simple want to take the easy way out and instantly make themselves into the people they really want to be. Isn’t that what the
Internet promote though, ease and simplicity. Instead of working for a couple of months on self-improvement and getting into shape many simple escape and double click to get these dream bodies. I don’t know if this is the best way to be teaching our community how to deal with issues and problems. If children grow up thinking that anything is a mouse click away who is going to teach them self control and discipline. While virtual worlds may fill a need for a small majority of people today they are only masking the issue, many need to put in the effort and deal with the root of the problems in their lives.
Your comments echo many in the class. I understand your disdain, but the number of generalizations is enormous here. I applaud you for admitting your bias.
ReplyDeleteBefore we judge these individuals, we might try better to understand them. As noted in class, Richmond students are, in many cases, from sheltered and loving families who provide support and care.
It is very different beyond the campus gates, even for many in your age-group; in fifteen years, as a virtual worlds researcher, I will be most curious to see how the Millennial generation regards escapist entertainment online.
I disagree with Castronova's thesis; I think virtual-world use will increase among all age groups, but there will be no exodus. Usage will be as a casual and occasional escape or for limited professional purposes such as simulations for technical or military training and meetings.
Reality will instead become more and more difficult, under the strains of environmental damage, political gridlock, resource scarcity, and economic stress, and we'll learn to take better care of the real again as we strive to fix the things generations before yours broke.
My biggest hope for you Millennials is that the researchers who wrote Millennials Rising are correct: yours is the next "Great Generation" able to collaborate, remain cheerful, and solve problems without the slack and cynicism of my Gen-X peers or the narcissism and greed of the Baby Boomers.
Maybe if your peers stay in Reality instead of making the exodus, you can accomplish great things. Maybe you'll even use Facebook to organize your efforts!
In the interest of Gen-X snark, I'll add the the photo of the SL female avatars is telling: since Richmond students already look and live like SL avatars, what need for a second life?
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