14 DAY TRIAL // Although online applications that imply some virtual reality features are often criticized by those who consider them barriers to real life interaction, studies prove there really is no need to worry. Eryn Grant, a PhD student at the School of Humanities, Queensland University of Technology, conducted a study that should put all skeptic minds at ease. The researcher created an account on Second Life and, by analyzing other people's conversations, drew her conclusions.
Experiences like Second Life could help people socialize more, as anyone can enter a conversation in a group. "There are not many places we go in the world where we are guaranteed social contact, in real life it is harder and less likely that you will go up to a stranger and start a conversation," said Grant.
Moreover, the fact that, along with the daily real life social experiences, people have more platforms to show themselves to others for what they really are can be only beneficial. "I think it is like an extension of who we are as social beings, you go to work, see your family and log on to either Second Life, Facebook, Myspace and it is just about reaching out even more - who doesn't want to feel connected after all?", she added.
The researcher also had in sight the fact that social networks are seen by some as disservices to genuine physical interaction. She said the study proved that no one can have a healthy online behavior if the bases for it have not been established in real life. "You have to be able to go into these settings and perform according to the social rules, which you need to have learned in real life," said Grant, underscoring that Second Life, Lively, Facebook and their many counterparts are only fun ways of interacting with more people.
To conclude, it's safe to say that, as long as no one takes the name of Second Life literally and loses contact with reality, the only risk to which one is being exposed is that of leading a more entertaining life.