In our first week of class, we discussed Sherry Turkle’s “Life on the Screen.” This reading discussed MUDs or “Multi-User Domains” and the types of interactions that occur. So when our class was assigned to make an AIM account and anonymously interact with each other, I was naturally intrigued. First of all, I had never communicated with someone else with a totally different identity. Additionally, I did not realize how valid this type of communication could be. Turkle argues that virtual worlds provide people with an experience that is not possible or even acceptable in the real world. After the few discussions that I had on AIM, I learned a few things. I feel as though MUDs can establish a few positive benefits for its users. Firstly, I would say that this form of communication allows for people to communicate with anonymity. Someone who is shy or not very out going can seek advice or say whatever they want to say without being in fear or face real-life repercussions. I also believe that speaking anonymously to one another prevents anxiety for people who have trouble with social skills. Even if someone feels they are being judged, the other user still does not know who they are. Furthermore, I enjoyed the conversations that I had on AIM. Much of the discussions that took place on AIM would be considered highly controversial if they took place in a real-life interaction. It is easy to see that MUDs can also serve as form of entertainment.
On the other hand, as much fun as I had playing on AIM, one can see the negative attributes in using this form of communication. I was frustrated because I could not figure out who I was talking with. The other problem that I pondered concerns the idea of relationships. Turkle mentions that online romantic relationships exceed quickly online because both parties can be fairly open to one another. Encouraging a fake identity can also cause problems too if someone believes that they are real. Many sex offenders impersonate being another person. However, all in all, I believe MUDs should be used for entertainment purposes.
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