Identity in the context of virtual worlds is a peculiar subject. It is interesting to see how people want to project and show themselves in a virtual world. The trend is that people tend to exaggerate or portray themselves in a very positive and different light. Most tweak their body to almost superhero status, with big muscles and slim waistlines. The women do the same with with tiny waist lines and big breasts, or a very sexy costume that they would never wear in public.
My various avatars throughout this class.
This is a place where people can act out fantasies and be somebody totally different from their real selves. It is a place where people can hide from their current drama filled lives and escape to a totally different world. They have no responsibilities, no reputation to live up to. They can be anyone they wish to be. Men can actually portray themselves as women, and visa versa. There are no rules and boundaries in the virtual worlds.
I chose a modest good looking bald dude for my avatar.
There is the issue of adult themed worlds. A couple times this semester, I accidentally transported to an adult themed world, and was immediately turned of by the vulgarity of what I saw when entering these worlds. There is a massive, and probably profitable, trend in these worlds where people can act out their wildest fantasies with total strangers. Ranging from the romantic, to the morbidly erotic, all walks of life can come here and be anyone they ever wished to be. There is no judgement and no repercussions. Because there is total anonymity, it is easier for people to act out their fantasies, and be a totally new person.
I thought this world was very cool and interesting.
What causes people to want to be so different from their own, real selves? Are they unhappy with themselves? or their real lives? Have they always wanted to be someone that they are not? What does it say about a 40 something year old man that wants to walk around in Fetish World in a diaper and be spanked by his mistress? Who are we to judge? I guess these worlds are a judge-free zone. People have a right to act out fantasies if they desire. They are not hurting anyone, right? This is not unlawful. People should be able to be whomever they wish to be. It is a free world. Virtual world, that is.
The issue of identity in the context of virtual worlds can mean a lot of things to a lot of different people. Whatever their reasons, whatever their desires, it is not for us tio judge what they do, and why they do it. It does not mean they have psychological problems. It does not mean that they are freaks. People are people , as Depeche Mode said so many years ago. Let them do as their hearts desire, and don't look too far into the reasons as to WHY they want to alter their persona in the virtual world. They may simply enjoy playing make believe. It could be as simple as that.
