Yesterday I visited a discussion group about mental health in SL, it turned out to be mainly about how professional therapists could provide their services In World, what could be achieved and how patients could be ensured that the person they were talking to was a legitimate professional and not just some whack interested in hearing you spill the beans about why your Mother never loved you enough.
I didn't stay for long as I eventually became a bit bored and Tia was online and if I have the choice between listening to someone question if Jungian philosophy was a decent basis for analysis or swing Tia around the dance floor you can bet who wins – and it isn't Carl.
But something did nag me a bit.
Have you ever talked to someone who knows nothing about SL and tried to explain what you do there? It usually starts out well. You describe the system, explain what sims are and then move on to your more personal experience. And about then is when they begin to move away with that look on their face usually reserved for rather dirty derelicts interested in receiving a handout.
“I do a lot of dancing actually,” you might mention. “It's great to meet people”
“You go dancing. In Second Life? You log on to dance with other people?”
“Yes. I prefer tango and salsa for the start, but I'm not disinclined against a slow if we are getting on well.”
“Hmmmm.....”
“It's terrible for the atmosphere though when you get out of synch.”
“Yes,” your acquaintance might say as he or she edges a bit further back. “Being out of synch is, well, difficult, I suppose.”
“Don't you believe it,” you reply enthusiastically. “In fact animations can be a real bummer in SL. I've got this one pose that really makes me look like a dork, but I'm not sure how to get rid of it.” (In some cases you might discover in RL that you have just struck that pose.)
You then go on to describe your house, how you just never have enough prims and managed to paint the house pink by accident – all the while chasing you conversation partner around the room until they flee out the door.
What does this have to do with the Mental Health discussion yesterday? Well, the fact is, most people who know nothing about SL would believe all of us In World are in need of a little care. So, am I going to sign up for some sessions?
Nope, I've got a date for a dance with Tia. Sorry Carl.
