Social Networks In Second Life
It’s not hard to understand why many people feel a overwhelmed, confused, and lost upon entering Second Life. It is a multiverse of many worlds, and it’s not apparent from doing the beginner’s tutorial just where a person might fit in, or where to start to find the right niche for oneself. But I encourage folks, especially the social types, not to give up.
It can be difficult and frustrating to find people in your in-person (IP) neighborhood, city, or state who share your opinions, your philosophies, or interests. This is especially true for people who live in small towns, but even for some in larger cities. But there is a lot to choose from in Second Life among its vast networks of social groups and themed worlds. Second Life is even has groups that are out of the norm from what we are used to IP.
In California, there are many Buddhist sanghas for me to choose from. But in my years of studying Buddhism, I have decided I don’t care for the religious aspects of it, and I don’t agree with all of the teachings hook, line, and sinker. Yet, IP Buddhist groups conform to one school or another for the most part. In Second Life, however, there is a group called Skeptical Buddhism. This is a wonderful group who welcomes all, and each week discussions are on various aspects of Buddhism, but they are discussed with a healthy dose of skepticism. We talk at length about the teachings, what cultural aspects it may have, how it can be tested, and issues if it can not be tested. I like that group a lot because of the focus on Buddhism with the openness to disagree with some of the teachings.
I decided recently that I wanted to take those kinds of discussions in a slightly different direction. I will continue to participate in the Skeptical Buddhist group, but in addition, I am starting another on my own SIM that will combine the effective mindfulness tools of Buddhism and combine them with the modern ethics and values of Humanism. I like Humanism a lot, and I think the mindfulness of Buddhism can be a great asset to bring to the principles of Humanism. To create my SL Insight Meditation group such as this IP wouldn’t be easy, but in Second Life it’s a snap. To join Skeptical Buddhism or SL Insight Meditation, use the Search on Groups. Alternatively, follow the links I’ve provided, go to those places and look for the signs that allow you to join.
Joining groups in SL allows you to be notified of upcoming discussions and events.
Second Life seems to allow for a lot more diversity than most IP groups, and because of anonymity attendance is sometimes better than IP. There is a wide variety of groups already established in Second Life, but if you can’t find the social network you want, then create what you need! Very likely, others will be happy to find your group.