Virtual paradise?
Let me tell you about a virtual world called SecondLife.SecondLife is a really strange place. For some it is a place where they can come and be successful even if their "first life" is neither glorious, nor successful. Some come to SecondLife to make friends, some to start a first life relationship. Some come for "cyber sex" - most with the desire to take the virtual relationship into real life.
I know several that suffer badly in first life. Some are terminally ill and withdraw to SL when the pain becomes too bad or they have had another setback in their real life. Many of these people get real help by being in SL, not a cure - but help to escape the suffering of first life for minutes, an hour or maybe a day. Sometimes these people die in first life. And other residents of SecondLife grief. There are some very real tears shed.
Some are successful in SecondLife while their lives are in shambles in first life. It helps them escape a harsh reality. In SecondLife all can be glamerous, beautiful and wear great clothes. They may even be successful as creators, land owners and business owners. You do not need very much money to start a business in SL, and costs can be linked to income, so when you sell, you pay. When you don't, you don't pay. It can be seen as "The American Dream", but far from all succeed. The business rules in SecondLife are quite different from first life. Or similar. It really depends.
The only real thing...
It is said that the only real thing you bring into SecondLife is your feelings. I do to a degree agree. But you can bring more. You can bring your skills, your beliefs, your hopes, your time and even your money. SecondLife can be consuming. All consuming. For some it is worth it. For others it can become a burden and can have a very negative effect on first life.A key activity is roleplay. The image in question is from the now closed down "Slaver Bay Correctional Facility". Someone is getting "corrected" for sure.
Most SecondLife residents spend a lot of efforts in making their avatars reflect their dreams - or nightmares. Using RLV, the actions of real life restraints can be mimicked - but no pain is felt - at least not for now. Thankfully for some, a loss for others.
