Abstract

This chapter provides a theoretical investigation of Second Life as nation through the lens of Benedict Anderson’s Imagined Communities. It focuses on the nature of the relationship that exists between individuals and online virtual worlds through a theoretical discussion of Actual-World nationhood. An Internet-enabled phenomenon, online virtual worlds (OVWs) often employ computer generated imaging to simulate three-dimensional environments populated by user-created avatars, which Yee succinctly defines as ‘customizable characters’. An OVW can take a number of different forms, but the chapter focuses at one type in particular: online virtual social worlds (OVSWs) and specifically at the OVSW known as Second Life. The notion of the imagined community is intrinsically related to the people of a nation and the way in which individuals imagine a deeply felt attachment to those people. Yet, Anderson’s conception of nationhood includes other imaginings, beyond just those related to one’s co-nationals.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.