Today’s blog post is inspired by the book, “Ready Player One” by Ernest Cline.
My friend Dan lent me this book, and to my surprise, I actually loved it! Normally, I would never read something like this because:
- I don’t really like science fiction.
- I don’t game at all. I have no knowledge whatsoever, and never had the desire to learn.
But despite this, the book was very well written. I’m not going to tell you what it’s about (Read it for yourself if you want to find out), but something from the book triggered me to write this post.
I want to talk about the virtual world.
Now, what is the virtual world?
Wikipedia defines it as a computer-based simulated environment populated by many users who can create a personal avatar, and simultaneously and independently explore the virtual world, participate in its activities and communicate with others.
What I found interesting was that for some people, the virtual world is actually better than reality.
In a game, you can always restart if you lose.
Play it again and again. And eventually, you will get better.
In a game, you can create your avatar to be like someone else.
You can control what you look like, what abilities you have, and so on.
No one actually knows who you are, so you can say whatever you want and remain anonymous.
In a game, people can temporarily escape from their real problems and immense themselves into a world where they have total control.
I found this very interesting because I personally never found gaming intriguing in any way. I couldn’t understand why people would spend hours and hours gaming their life away. I mean, I knew they were enjoying themselves….but I failed to see what made it so enjoyable.
However, after reading this book, I feel like I can understand now.
It’s as if you are given special powers. You have an important role, and you want to solve and complete the quest to save the world.
It’s like feeling you belong somewhere. People need you.
But, when is it too much?
Sometimes, a person is totally different from the person he/she portrays online.
Is it healthy?
Ever since I started translating, I’ve noticed that a lot of readers and even translators prefer using anonymous usernames or names. I assume it’s because they do not want others to know their real identities (which is totally understandable). But what happens when/if you’re so attached to your identity online that you isolate yourself from the real world?
My question for you is: Do you act differently online compared to real life?
Grow with me 
I suppose in a sense it’s almost like being batman. You have a mask or a secret identity. The feeling is in a way exhilarating. Almost like a adrenaline rush to be able to do things that one does not do normally in their own daily lives. To me gaming is an escape from reality. Sometimes therapeutic in a sense for example when I’m angry aside from venting in the real world I would instead go and play a game that would involve shooting other players and killing them( worst way to deal with things but hey it works!) It’s also a great time killer. Now is this healthy would have to depend on the excessive degree of the gaming. In Korea people have died because they’ve spent days just playing games without taking care of themselves and they happen to die from exhaustion(google it I’m sure you’ll find something related). As to your main question if i act different vs real life. Nope lol. I find that when ever I go online my true self always happens to reveal itself. Regardless of how I make my character some part of me will usually come fort and take reign. Although some times I do act differently I suppose because in the virtual world we are given your so called “Restart Button”. I tend to experiment once in a while to “BETA Test” things out. But typically my persona is the same.
Thanks for your long and thoughtful comment, Enrico! Haha. I know a lot of people like to use video games to vent. It’s good if it helps you 😛
Yeah, I know a lot of people actually die from gaming. It’s crazy. I think there are cases like this in every country, but perhaps more common in Asia because there are more people?!
I’m glad you’re your true self online and offline. 🙂 Thank you for your support, hehe. I enjoy reading your comments.
I* forth* kinda wish there was an edit comment feature
lol I could edit my comments, I think you might be able to edit yours too? Haha. Not sure. There is an edit button somewhere.. it’s hard for me to explain without showing u. But if you’re on your blog home page, go to the left corner and then click something and then click comments and you can actually see all the comments that people have made from the past (and yours)…and you could make changes. But it’s so much work. Don’t worry about it. I understand you even with typos 😛
Nope. I’m the same way all the time.
Haha. I love your personality. I can tell by your blog post you have a wonderful sense of humour. And so honest. ❤
Do you act differently in real life compare to your online life?
Haha! I don’t. I am the same. But I think I am a bit more dramatic in real life.
In general, though, I don’t spend a lot of time talking to people online. I prefer seeing them in person.
What about you, Chang? 😊
Thanks for sharing! I do my best to act as I would normally do, but when things tend to piss me off online it’s easier for me to step back and ignore it. I feel communicating over the net is easier since you can take the time to edit what you type and all that.
True, you can definitely be more careful and take the time to think over what you want to say if you’re communicating over the net.
Thank you for your comment, Ambi!!!