Natalie’s Blog

Chapter five of “Coming of Age in Secondlife” focuses primarily on identity or what the author, Tom Boellstorff, refers to as “personhood” (p.118). The beginning of the chapter introduces some findings that Boellstorff has made through his research with Secondlife. He discusses the ways in which people have expressed differences in their personalities from RL (real life) and SL (second life). Boellstorff notes that one person said, “I may seem strong in my online presence but in RL I’m so weak” (p.120). Boellstorff goes on to say “no one in my fieldwork mentioned being outgoing in the actual world but shy in Second Life” (p.121). I found this particularly interesting because while I was reading the chapter I couldn’t help but note that I am far more outgoing in the actual world than I am in Secondlife. Perhaps it is because I have spent the past 21 years functioning in the real world and have learned the etiquette and ways to act. However, I have a very limited knowledge of the etiquette and inner workings of Secondlife and therefore find myself at a loss most of the time about how to act. Also, in the real world I am a very competent speaker and am very capable of communication ranging from presenting myself professionally or asking for assistance. However, I find it difficult to ask anyone for help within Secondlife and I tend to prescribe actions from the real world in my Secondlife interactions. For example, I find it difficult to strike up a conversation with someone on Secondlife. If I look at them I feel as if I’m staring and if I stand too close I feel as though I am invading their space. In the real world I am more aware of the spatial area and the proper way to engage in conversation.