It has been interesting to spend time alone within Second Life this week and to explore what my identity feels like when not ‘with’ ‘others’ within the space. Fornäs’ notion of ‘identity-producing interactions’ (Fornäs et al. 2002, p.34) suggests, on first reading, that my virtual identity is heightened when interacting with other avatars within the space. However, the whole of Second Life is a construct, a space designed for avatar interactions and thus identity-producing.
My first solo journey was to Sparta where I was looking for the God of War of the treasure hunt. I was relieved to find that the space was deserted – of avatars – but I was in a constructed space filled with a sense of human agency and humour (more anatomically correct ‘bits’ had been added to the statues in the virtual museum for example). I was interacting with others, with the objects they had placed there and with the spaces they had created.
My second journey was to a space created in response to Macbeth. I have detailed information about this journey here.
Hello Helen,
Yes I’m with you on the idea of spaces as identity producing. In fact I’d say the same about reading a book or watching a film alone … or even experiencing a beautiful outdoor space alone.
Best,
Velda
Hi Velda,
Yes: absolutely. I always feel that reading a book is like having a conversation.
Best,
Helen