Second Skin

Second Skin, was actually kind of mind blowing. It introduced me to a world that I never knew really existed. I knew people played online games but I didn’t know they got so involved and committed so much time to their virtual worlds. Technology is ruling our world right now. Its so different than how it use to be. So many things can be done on the web and we don’t hardly even have to move a muscle. From banking to dating. I believe it has its up but also has its downs. 

I don’t see how people can call the virtual world a real world. You are playing with wolves and dragons and even those objects are so far from being real. It would be hard for me to imagine my character of me, as a real person. I don’t understand what is so addicting. Especially because most of these people are like 30? Aren’t they more mature at this age? They should have jobs, a spouse and maybe children.

However, I believe that this gaming is simply a hobby of these people. It’s what they like and enjoy doing. I do believe though that letting your house go bankrupt or taking time off work to play is a little ridiculous. I’v never played these games or don’t know of anyone who plays them so I have no idea how addictive they can be. I recall the gamers saying that they like to get to a certain level before quitting the game. I do play Sims and I know that I personally always have “goals” I want to complete before turning the game off. Usually to get them to the next career level or making them have a child. I know how frustrating it can be if you cant reach the goal and I usually stay on much longer than I had originally planned just to complete my goals. I have never fell asleep playing or peed in a bottle though because it was too detrimental to quit the game. Thats a little nuts.

Something that really touched me in the documentary was the people who were disabled. They see playing these games as a way to escape their problems. In todays society, everyone is so judgmental to people who don’t fit in with the “norm.” If we see a person who is in a wheelchair we stare or even turn around to get a better look. When a gamer can create their own character i’m sure they don’t put themselves in a wheelchair. People who are disabled probably feel the opportunity to be the person they wish they could be and do all the things they dream to do. However, they will still have their disability and when they turn the computer off they have to realize that and that has to be hard.