In the early 2000’s
I remember sitting in my bedroom, staring at my computer screen, ready to do my
homework. But homework is boring and I really didn't want to do it. I’d have my
word document open with a title written across the top of the page and my text
book open looking up at me. “I've got time for a quick game” I’d say to myself.
ALT-TAB into The Sims, my computer wasn’t very quick so even a quick play would
take a while to load. I’d have my family of Sims walking around the house, mum
and dad had to manage their jobs to the kids didn’t get taken away by the social
worker, and I’d have to make sure they did all their homework so they got a
good grade at Sim High… I wonder how many times I thought about how my grades
were affected by not doing my real homework but only my Sim’s virtual homework.
Simulacra essentially means similarity or a representation. Move
forward ten years or so from when I was playing the Sims there are many forms
of digital media that give people an experience where they can represent
themselves in their own way. Second Life is probably the most notable virtual
world in which users can create themselves and live in a virtual world.
Playstation Home is another which I came across a few years ago, and when I did
I was perplexed. My mate showed me it and told me to look at how real it was,
sure the graphics are great and the map is vast but I didn’t get it. He went on
show me how he could interact with people and even buy clothes. This guy
struggled pay check to pay check but proceeded to show me how he could spend
$100 on a new T-shirt. I asked him if he would also get the shirt in the mail
but he laughed and said “It’s only in the game mate”.
I think there is something about a virtual world that gives
people a sense of freedom without restricting. Shy people are able to interact
more easily, people who are embarrassed about their appearance are able to
create a character without perceived flaws to show the ‘real’ side of them. For
me there are limits, I still like to play the Sims, especially when I have
homework to do, but I could never see myself spending real money on virtual
clothes I will never be able to touch.
The video below is another from South Park, but it hits the mark.
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