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1. Introduction
In many courses we have discussed and explored the affection in real life. But this semester we get a chance to use SL as a medium to know people's lives and actions in virtual world, so recently our group decided to conduct a survey about the values of romantic relationship in SL and analyze the variables, which make the subjects have different thoughts and opinions towards this issue.
At first, we formulate a questionnaire, including twenty-one questions about the moral problems in SL relationship. Then we would go to some romantic spots, such as Tempura Island to find the potential couples and interview with them. After collecting as much data as we can, we would start to discuss and analyze the results. Through it we can know whether the country, education background, gender and age would influence people's ideas about the relationship in virtual world. At last, we would not only use video to present our findings, but also make them into charts on the poster in SL to help us explain our conclusions.
2. Methods
As mentioned before, we design twenty-one questions to let us know people's values of relationship in SL more deeply. Our target subjects are the potential couples in SL, through them we can analyze the information and opinions they give to clarify what variables would affect the result of this survey. So the first question is "Which country are you from in real life?" In our thoughts, every nation has their own cultures and customs to shape people's ideas. Therefore, country is an indispensable variable in this study. The following questions are "Your education background, gender and age in real life." To us, we also believe instruction has the ability to form people's values and visions seeing the world. Simultaneously sex and age can make two individuals have really different concepts and behaviors as well. So after careful considerations, these four are the main variables in our survey. Then the second part of the questionnaire, we would try to know their thoughts about the relationship in SL through the questions "Do you think a relationship in SL should be treated honestly and loyally just like one in Real Life?" "If you already have a relationship in Real Life, would you consider your affections in SL as an act of adultery?" "Is it possible to deal with two relationships at the same time? (RL romance and SL romance)" "If you have romantic attachments in SL, do you keep the relationship within the SL platform?" "Would you consider SL relationships as a potential RL romantic partnership or even marriage?" "Does your avatar represent and reflect the real you in RL?" and "Do you think fabricating the glorious events about you to increase the opportunities to have intimate relationship immoral?" These are the possible ethical dilemmas that they may encounter, so the interesting point is how they would see and react to the problems.
After collecting back the questionnaires, we would single out the most effective questions to discuss and analyze how the potential variables influence the result of this study. At last, the charts and video about our findings can give an explanation more clearly.
3. Result/Finding
Our subjects of this survey are mainly from four continents North/South America, Europe and Asia. Their education background is from high-school graduated to Master. The proportion of them is half female and male. Besides, their age is from 20 to 50. Now we would start from country first, the people in North America seem to treat the relationship in SL more seriously than the others from Europe, South America and Asia. For instance, one woman from USA thinks if she already has a relationship in real life, she would consider her affections in SL as an act of adultery. Because she says "Values of a real emotional relation are important, we are not dolls." But to her partner, who is from France, he really has different idea with her. He says "He doesn't think it as an act of adultery at all, because the RL life stays in RL and SL stays in SL that there is no conflict between them." And a woman from Argentina also supports his notion. She says "In SL I'm just playing, not for real. It doesn't involve real feelings, so if I have a date in SL it doesn't affect my real life's relationship." But the most surprising thing to us is that a Japanese woman says "Flirting with people in SL is just a way to satisfied myself." The answer absolutely doesn't fit the impression Japan gives us at all. So we start to think maybe it is stereotype, which make us misunderstand them or there are still some situational variables to influence the result. However, we would discuss more deeply later. Now through the analysis, we can declare country is an important variable to affect people's values of relationship in SL as before. Next we would talk about education background to show whether it has effects on the finding of this survey. A woman, who is high-school graduated thinks fabricating the glorious events about you to increase the opportunities to have intimate relationship is immoral. Because she says "Being dishonest can't make a real relationship in either SL or RL." Coincidentally that her partner also has a similar concept with her, although he is college graduated. He says "It's untruthful, and dishonesty is immoral. Furthermore, it will never lead to any real relationship." But out of our expectation, a man is Master graduated having really different opinion with them. He says "Why should it be immoral? It's just about having fun." So through the contrast, we find higher the educational background they have; there is no promise that they would treat the relationship in SL more seriously. However, we would consider all the variables together and give a more complete explanation in next section too. Then let's look at gender, we have interviewed with five couples in this study. There are two women, who think their avatar represent and reflect the real self in RL, but only one man has the same idea with them. They say "Not so much in appearance, but I don't act differently in SL from how I am in RL, because I have nothing to hide." On the other hand, there are four men and three women having the opposite notion with them. They say "Because that is what SL for, they provide their avatars with things they can't afford and dare to do in RL. It's fun to play that way." So after the examination, we are able to know females treat their lives and relationships more honestly in SL than males. Sex is really a potential variable, which would affect their thoughts towards this issue. At last, we are going to observe the finding from the age aspect. A woman, who is 22, thinks a relationship in SL is not necessarily to be treated loyally just like one in real life. She says "Second Life is a computer game, so dating here is just for fun." There is a man, who is 35, also supporting her opinion that he says "He is just having some fun in SL, nothing is serious here." But to the elder couple, who are 43 and 50, they hold completely different concept with them. They say "All relationships in life, especially intimate ones should be treated honestly. Even though those are Internet based, still ought to be taken seriously as a committed affection." Through this inspection, we realize there is a big gap between the two generations. So age is still an essential variable that we can't ignore.
After reviewing the result of this survey, we would discuss more comprehensively and give a conclusion in the next section.
4. Discussion & Conclusion
Through detailed consideration and cross-analysis, we have a conclusion that educational background is not a necessary variable related to this study, because high-school graduated is adequate enough to affirm their values. Besides, country and gender are relatively important variables in our survey. Although globalization and equality of men and women have given their influence some attacks, they are still significant factors worth searching. Above all, age is the most essential variable this time that we can see clearly there is a line in 35. If the subjects are elder than the standard, they always treat the relationship in SL seriously and their avatars represent themselves personally. On the other hand, the younger ones become more open-minded through the decreasing of their age. However, because of limited time, we can't get sufficient samples to do this survey very precisely. But we would make a poster in SL to use the charts to explain and compare the five couples separately. Therefore, if you gain more interest about this issue, you can go to the romantic spots, such as Tempura Island and the Lost Gardens of Apollo to have a conversation with the couples and I'm sure you would know more about them.
Romantic Relationship in Second Life Survey
This survey is part of an undergraduate class project on Second Life. Please answer honestly. The group in charge of the project will be doing a blog post based on the answers received. If you feel uncomfortable answering the survey, you have the right not to complete it.
Your information will be received totally anonymously. Thank you very much for your time. We appreciate it.
1. Which country are you from (Real Life)?
2. Education Background (Real Life)
High-School Graduated
College
Master
PHD
Other
3. Gender in Real Life
Male
Female
4. Gender in Second Life (If you have more than one avatar, please select the gender of your MAIN avatar, the one you use the most.)
Male
Female
5. Real Life Marriage status
Married
Single
Divorced
In relationship
Prefer not to answer
6. Second Life Marriage/Partnered status
Married/Partnered
Single
Divorced/Un-partnered
In relationship
Prefer not to answer
7. What are your favorite activities in Real Life? Please list three.
1.
2.
3.
8. What are your favorite activities in Second Life? Please list three.
1.
2.
3.
9. Age in real life
18-25
26-32
33-39
40-46
47-53
54-60
61-67
68-74
75-81
82-88
89-95
10. Have you had dating experiences in Second Life? Activities are comparable to those in Real Life, like going shopping, watching movies, etc.
Yes.
No.
Sometimes
11. Have you ever been in a Second Life marriage/partnership? (For purposes of a committed romantic relationship, not for business/friendship reasons)
Yes.
No.
12. If you did it, how would you describe the experience? Please use two short sentences to describe it.
1.
2.
13. If you haven't had the experience, (in the future) would you consider SL partnership or even marriage for romantic relationship purposes?
Yes. Why?
No. Why not?
14. If you have been in a SL marriage/partnership, how long did it last? If there was more than one experience, choosing that lasted the longest.
Less than 3 months
Greater than 3 months
More than a year
Not applicable to me
15. Do you think a relationship in SL should be treated honestly and loyally just like one in Real Life?
Yes. Why?
No. Why not?
16. If you already have a relationship in Real Life, would you consider your affections in SL as an act of adultery?
Yes. Why?
No. Why not?
17. Is it possible to deal with two relationships simultaneously? (RL romance and SL romance)
Yes. Why?
No. Why not?
18. If you have romantic attachments in SL, do you keep the relationship within the SL platform?
Yes.
No.
19. Would you consider SL relationships as a potential RL romantic encounter/partnership or even marriage?
Yes. Why?
No. Why not?
20. Does your avatar represent and reflect the real you in RL?
Yes. Why?
No. Why not?
21. Do you think fabricating the glorious events about you to increase the opportunities to have intimate relationship immoral?
Yes. Why?
No. Why not?
BY Judy Ting
Sunshine and relaxation wait for you there.
Does an extravagant vacation always cost you lots of money? Everyday we live a busy and stressful life, hoping one day we can get rid of the pressure, take a trip to a beautiful island and enjoy the tropical atmosphere. Now we don't have to worry about money and distance. We are able to spend our holidays in a five-star resort whenever we want. Don't think it is impossible; just try our new choice -- Galveston Island in Second Life!
In fact, since 2007 the Tourism Bureau of Galveston have bought a virtual isle in Second Life and constructed the city according to the real one. Instead of taking a flight, we can arrive there in a second and relax ourselves with only a bit of money, like the charge for facilities. There are so many in/outdoor activities and cultural heritages that we can take part in.
When we reach the island, the first sight we would see is Galveston Historical Center. Many old pictures and information about the town are available there. The documents show that although hurricanes "visit" Galveston frequently, this island still tries to preserve its historic monuments such as Bishop's Palace in Victorian style, and develop modern entertainment to stir world's desire. Actually it is a place full of vigor, with the smell of culture pervading the whole city. Later three giant pyramids would attract our attention. They are called "Moody Gardens," which respectively are Aquarium, Rainforest and Discovery Pyramid. We can enjoy the pleasure of being surrounded by marine life and wild animals. Besides, you can watch IMAX 3D films about the life of fishes and tropical creatures.
After visiting these places, we would have known more about the history and environment of Galveston. Now we can go to the amusement park to play pirate ship, water slide and Ferris wheel, or just go surfing and take a sun bath on the beach. At night, it is a good choice to go to a live concert at the Seawolf Park, relaxing ourselves completely through the wonderful music. Perhaps we can also choose to enjoy our nightlives in clubs. Actually there are so many possibilities and options in Galveston, which worth us spending a long time to explore. But at last, just don't forget to check in at the Hilton hotel, have a good sleep and welcome the next day to come.
Galveston Island in Second Life provides us with a way to escape from our annoying daily lives. Although we are not able to have a vacation on a beautiful tropical island now, we still can find our comfort there. Remember, besides to use our sensory organs to enjoy the trip, we still have to use our minds to "feel" this place. With sunshine and relaxation, you spend limited money, but earn unlimited joy.
Galveston Island in Real Life
Galveston Island in Second Life
Galveston Island SLURL
Our finial project is about the romantic relationship in SL. As we are in love in real life, we also can develop affection in SL through the activities and ceremonies, such as dating, flirting, having candlelight dinner, holding a splendid wedding and so on. But do people have the responsibility to treat their relationship in SL honestly and loyally just like in real life? It's a problem about morality to all of us now. Internet has become a very important part in our lives that we use it to interact with others, escape from daily struggles and experience things we don't dare to do in real life. However, if people already have had a relationship in actual world, are their affections in virtual world adulteries? Do people make their avatars more charming than they really are and fabricate the glorious events about them to increase the opportunities to have intimate relationships immoral? In my opinion, having an affair or tell something unreal in SL still count as cheating. Participation in virtual world doesn't excuse us from living in reality, and all the rules for a successful relationship apply whether we are online or not.
So this time we want to conduct a survey that do people treat their relationship in SL as serious as in real life and is there any ethical dilemma in it. We have already searched for some romantic spots, such as Japan Tempura Island, The Lost Gardens of Apollo, Midnight Reflections and so forth. That couples can dance, walk around and enjoy their private moments in these beautiful places. Therefore, we decide to go to these locations respectively and have interviews with the potential couples there. But at first we have to work out our questionnaire and start the survey as soon as possible. Later, we would discuss our progress report and revise the questions every week.
Fortunately we have made friendship with some foreign couples from different countries already, so that we can analyze whether their background, education, status, nation and gender would affect the result of our survey. At last, we would not only try to explain the possible reasons for the similarities and differences attained from this study, but also create a chart to make the consequence more clearly.
BY Judy Ting
Sunshine and relaxation wait for you there.
Does an extravagant vacation always cost you lots of money? Everyday we live a busy and stressful life, hoping one day we can get rid of the pressure, take a trip to a beautiful island and enjoy the tropical atmosphere. Now we don't have to worry about money and distance. We are able to spend our holidays in a five-star resort whenever we want. Don't think it is impossible; just try our new choice -- Galveston Island in Second Life!
In fact, since 2007 the Tourism Bureau of Galveston have bought a virtual isle in Second Life and constructed the city according to the real one. Instead of taking a flight, we can arrive there in a second and relax ourselves with only a bit of money, like the charge for facilities. There are so many in/outdoor activities and cultural heritages that we can take part in.
When we reach the island, the first sight we would see is Galveston Historical Center. Many old pictures and information about the town are available there. The documents show that although hurricanes "visit" Galveston frequently, this island still tries to preserve its historic monuments such as Bishop's Palace in Victorian style, and develop modern entertainment to stir world's desire. Actually it is a place full of vigor, with the smell of culture pervading the whole city. Later three giant pyramids would attract our attention. They are called "Moody Gardens," which respectively are Aquarium, Rainforest and Discovery Pyramid. We can enjoy the pleasure of being surrounded by marine life and wild animals. Besides, you can watch IMAX 3D films about the life of fishes and tropical creatures.
After visiting these places, we would have known more about the history and environment of Galveston. Now we can go to the amusement park to play pirate ship, water slide and Ferris wheel, or just go surfing and take a sun bath on the beach. At night, it is a good choice to go to a live concert at the Seawolf Park, relaxing ourselves completely through the wonderful music. Perhaps we can also choose to enjoy our nightlives in clubs. Actually there are so many possibilities and options in Galveston, which worth us spending a long time to explore. But at last, just don't forget to check in at the Hilton hotel, have a good sleep and welcome the next day to come.
Galveston Island in Second Life provides us with a way to escape from our annoying daily lives. Although we are not able to have a vacation on a beautiful tropical island now, we still can find our comfort there. Remember, besides to use our sensory organs to enjoy the trip, we still have to use our minds to "feel" this place. With sunshine and relaxation, you spend limited money, but earn unlimited joy.
Galveston Island in Real Life
Galveston Island in Second Life
Writer: Meredith Lee (Meredith Rhosar)
Reader & Organizer: Judy Ting (Judy Meiler)
Editor: Monica Bei (Aleli Damiano)
This comment is also posted on Meredith's blog as feedback.
The dialogue
[19:42] Judy Meiler: I have finished already.
[19:42] Aleli Damiano: I have read it...cool....
[19:43] Meredith Rhosar: haha I think so
[19:43] Judy Meiler: Yeah, I think so too.
[19:43] Meredith Rhosar: last night
[19:43] Meredith Rhosar: it's a coincidence
[19:43] Aleli Damiano: I mean is great that u got the chance to interact with these people...
[19:43] Meredith Rhosar: yes!!!
[19:43] Meredith Rhosar: or I would just introduce New York XD
[19:44] Aleli Damiano: and as u mentioned in the story they were willing to help, I have hard time finding help in SL
[19:44] Meredith Rhosar: but I chatted with them till 3 a.m...
[19:44] Judy Meiler: I also met a friend who lives in Peru in real life this morning. Ha! Ha!
[19:44] Meredith Rhosar: have you?
[19:44] Meredith Rhosar: why?
[19:44] Meredith Rhosar: people didn';t help you?
[19:44] Aleli Damiano: I do not know...perhaps I am not as lucky as u r XD
[19:45] Meredith Rhosar: hahaha
[19:45] Meredith Rhosar: don't say that
[19:45] Meredith Rhosar: so do I need to summerize it?...
[19:45] Meredith Rhosar: I think you can easily understand XD
[19:45] Aleli Damiano: I am just joking...I have got some help but most people do not like newbies, they do not like teaching u know...
[19:46] Meredith Rhosar: no time to use difficult words haha
[19:46] Meredith Rhosar: yeah I was quite nervous last night, too
[19:46] Meredith Rhosar: but they taught me even how to "click"!
[19:46] Aleli Damiano: yes, it is very well organized, I mean ur story...
[19:47] Judy Meiler: But I can't precisely get the point that you want to talk about. Is it about the warmhearted friendship?
[19:47] Meredith Rhosar: well organized?!
[19:47] Meredith Rhosar: yes
[19:47] Aleli Damiano: yeah, I mean it has an introduction a body and a conclusion
[19:47] Meredith Rhosar: the experience of an friendship
[19:47] Meredith Rhosar: what happened
[19:48] Meredith Rhosar: and I want to keep the friendship
[19:48] Judy Meiler: Ok, I get it now!
[19:48] Aleli Damiano: and yes, I got it from that point of view, a chance to build up friendship and also as second point that there are people willing to help...
[19:48] Judy Meiler: Yes!
[19:49] Meredith Rhosar: yes I was really surprised
[19:49] Meredith Rhosar: they were not impatient at all!
[19:49] Aleli Damiano: I think that's very important because as I have told u some people we had not very sweet experiences...
[19:50] Judy Meiler: Oh! Poor Monica, don't be sad!
[19:51] Aleli Damiano: no no...I am not sad at all, just telling my part of the story on this matter...
[19:51] Judy Meiler: Maybe in the future we can help people in SL too. Ha! Ha!
[19:51] Aleli Damiano: that will be nice...
[19:52] Meredith Rhosar: I'm still an idiot in SL...
[19:52] Meredith Rhosar: hahaha
[19:52] Aleli Damiano: though ur story has all the parts, I kind of feel that it was written in a rush...u know what I mean?
[19:52] Judy Meiler: Me too. Ha! Ha!
[19:52] Meredith Rhosar: me too. haha
[19:52] Meredith Rhosar: so how can I revise it?...
[19:53] Aleli Damiano: yes, I think so...
[19:53] Meredith Rhosar: how?
[19:53] Judy Meiler: I want to know what makes them like to help beginners in SL.
[19:53] Meredith Rhosar: it's the words' problem?
[19:54] Meredith Rhosar: I don't know either!!!
[19:54] Meredith Rhosar: and I think if I go back to ask them it
[19:54] Aleli Damiano: just polish it a little bit, maybe add some more details about the island they took u to...
[19:54] Judy Meiler: So you didn't ask them?
[19:54] Meredith Rhosar: they'll think i'M STRANGE
[19:54] Meredith Rhosar: I just kept thanking them
[19:55] Meredith Rhosar: If some tells he likes to help people, would you ask why?
[19:55] Judy Meiler: You can tell them that you are writing about their kindness and friendship.
[19:55] Meredith Rhosar: uh...ok i'll try...
[19:56] Meredith Rhosar: so Monica
[19:56] Aleli Damiano: yes...
[19:56] Judy Meiler: Because many people treat strangers coldly, I want to know what makes them different.
[19:56] Meredith Rhosar: I think I have problem with my preposition...
[19:56] Aleli Damiano: what do u mean?
[19:56] Meredith Rhosar: warmhearted haha
[19:57] Meredith Rhosar: I kept using "and"
[19:57] Judy Meiler: I think it's a common problem.
[19:57] Meredith Rhosar: ?
[19:58] Aleli Damiano: that's what I mean when I said u can polish it...delete some words that u think are unnecessary...
[19:58] Meredith Rhosar: oh ok
[19:58] Aleli Damiano: or replace them...I think just very little change, without touching the structure as a whole...
[19:59] Meredith Rhosar: haha thank you Monica!!!
[19:59] Aleli Damiano: no problem...
[19:59] Judy Meiler: Yeah, I think so too.
[19:59] Meredith Rhosar: so any further comment?
[20:00] Aleli Damiano: that's it from my side...
[20:01] Meredith Rhosar: Judy?
[20:01] Judy Meiler: Yeah, I still want to know more why they are so friendly, not like the most of people.
[20:02] Judy Meiler: So that's my opinion.
[20:02] Meredith Rhosar: ok I'll try to ask them
[20:02] Meredith Rhosar: thank you
[20:02] Meredith Rhosar: is that all?
[20:02] Aleli Damiano: thanks to u for sharing ur story :)
[20:02] Meredith Rhosar: :)
[20:02] Judy Meiler: You're welcome!
Summary of the reader's and the editor's suggested revisions
Meredith shares a very special experience with us. She met two foreigners in New York City, where they invited her to their own island and treated her very friendly. At their home, they not only taught her how to use the functions in SL, but also encouraged her to learn more skill and knowledge as possible. In fact, she appreciates the sincere friendship very much that she would keep in touch with them often and try to become skilled in SL one day.
We both think it is a really wonderful experience for Meredith. She is so lucky that she can have the opportunity to interact with the foreigners; especially they are so kind and willing to help her. We consider she did a very good job and the structure is organized, but still has to polish the words and grammar, because we can feel she wrote it in a rush. Besides, most of people treat strangers coldly and don't like to teach, so we want to know what makes them different and glad to help beginners in SL. Actually it would be a great subject worth exploring for our group project later too.
Brief comment on the entire article with respect to organization, length, logic, and style
It is an interesting and touching story to me. I'm so happy to know there are still many warm-hearted people taking pleasure in helping strangers. The article is well-organized, including introduction, body and conclusion clearly. Now if she can polish her words and add more pictures or description to portray their private island, it can satisfy our curiosity, because we have never had the chance to visit others' house in SL before. It's a really special experience for us and we hope we can offer this kind of friendship to the beginners in SL in the future. Handing down the generosity from person to person!
[7:54] Aleli Damiano: great then...I have to say I really like ur article, is the kind I had in mind to write but it didnot came out that good :)
[7:54] Judy Meiler: Really? Thanks, Monica!
[7:55] Aleli Damiano: yeah, really...u add a lot of information about things u can do at the place...
[7:55] Judy Meiler: But I still need some of your advice. Ha! Ha!
[7:55] Aleli Damiano: there are suggestions for every kind of people, that's interesting...
[7:56] Aleli Damiano: my suggestion would be to add some pictures...
[7:56] Judy Meiler: Yeah! Of course I would do it later.
[7:57] Aleli Damiano: u get into the place and have a tour, take some pictures and perhaps discribe what do u like the most about it...
[7:57] Judy Meiler: Yeah! I would try.
[7:57] Aleli Damiano: I did that but a very quick one cuz I did not get much time...
[7:58] Judy Meiler: Yeah, I know, but that's ok.
[7:58] Meredith Rhosar: and I think your first paragraph is too long
[8:11] Meredith Rhosar: and udy
[8:11] Meredith Rhosar: I think you can cut some places
[8:12] Meredith Rhosar: choose your favorite places to talk more
[8:12] Meredith Rhosar: haha just my opinion
[8:12] Meredith Rhosar: maybe you have your own consideration
[8:12] Judy Meiler: Ok, I see. Thanks!
