Second Life Observations I (A Second Life Ethnography)

Naturalistic Feel

This site is highly aesthetic with its sandy landscapes dominated by waterfalls, pools, and palm trees. The landscape is mostly flat, which goes along with the beach feel. The environment is open and relaxing in places, and slightly overwhelming in others due to large amounts of things to interact with. Both of these areas will have their own uses depending on if one wants to relax, or to socialize. The region is incredibly inviting, with its slew of activities ranging from just sitting or relaxing by the pool, racing around in the bumper cars, or browsing the wide range of shops in the market district. Some of the shops are simple and humble, others appear to be more mature selling items like tattoos, drugs, and weapons. It is a bit strange to me to see these things appearing on an island that seems to be intended for a relaxing stay. I will be interested to see if the relaxing side of the island is ever interrupted by a drug war with guns and violence...this is sure to scare away potential island goers, which brings me to wonder what kind of people will in fact come to this place. It is quite unique that this island can contain both these inviting and off-putting elements, although I suppose it all comes down to the value systems which one believes in. Most of the areas seem public and sociable, including places to dance, pools to swim in, and markets to browse together. However, there does seem to be a large mansion on one of the corners of the island, I wonder who it is intended to be used for? Could perhaps the creator of the land live in here? I will certainly pursue this question.

Interpretive Significance

A major symbol of the region is a rotating sign called "The Bong Zone". This area seems to encompass the shops dedicated to mature things. Here one can purchase drugs, guns, and tattoos. It still seems strange that this area would exist, but at least this sign distinguishes it as different than the rest of the island. This symbol represents a darker side to the people who created the environment, as this region greatly contrasts the vibe given by the rest of the island. It shows that the creators intended to give people choices on the island, whether they want to relax, or whether they want to purchase their malicious items. Perhaps this is a scheme to make money, or perhaps there is some sort of hidden motive behind it. I would like to explore why this area was created. It is hard at this juncture to say what the values of this community are, by the looks of "The Bong Zone", I feel as though the community is malevolent. However, judging by the rest of the island, I feel as the community just wants to have fun and be socially interactive. Once I am able to observe a larger amount of avatars, hopefully their values will become more clear.