We have all heard about various terminologies through the years as technology continues to advance. Words like internet trolls and cyberbullies tend to ring a bell for most individuals. We have all been subjected to a situation where we were against an internet troll or a cyberbully just trying to get through a situation, we didn't want to be in, to begin with. It's so hard because the internet is compiled of all sorts of people with different personalities, opinions, and differences in authenticity. When you get a bunch of people together in one place these personalities clash creating difficult situations in your browsing experience and virtual life. In the virtual world industry, this can become a source for these internet trolls and cyberbullies it can also attract unstable individuals because it's their escape from reality. There is nothing wrong with this in the beginning, but it starts to become an issue when drama enters your virtual life when it has no permission meddling into this part of your life. Let's be honest as humans we deal with all different types of drama and problems within our reality why would we want that in our virtual life when we're just trying to relax and do our own thing? Today I'll be discussing the difficulties of internet trolls, cyber-bullying, and drama in virtual worlds with some of my own experiences.
*Note: before you begin this reading, journey this is going to be a lot longer than most of my posts because there is a lot to cover. For this post like some of my others, I'll be bolding main points so you can find the section you want to read the most so you're not searching for the result by skimming the entire post. Another thing as a disclaimer this is a touchy subject and I know a lot of individuals may not agree with some of the things that may be said. This is completely okay were all different and have different thoughts and opinions I just as you to be respectful and understand that these are my opinions if you have any questions, comments, or concerns please contact me through my e-mail which can be found on the left-hand side of the screen next to my photo. Please don't be rude in the comments if you don't have something nice to say don't say it at all. With this being said let's jump right in! *
Second Life Drama:
Because I've experienced most of the drama in this specific virtual world, I wanted to begin with addressing it first and where this can all be found. Second Life is a wonderful virtual world to be a part of I've been a part of it a little longer than I have been with IMVU which is the other virtual world I have invested a lot of time into. There is a lot of room for creativity through the creation of your avatar and different areas of land (called sims). I've met a lot of very genuinely nice people who aren't fake that I've been friends with for years some even for 10+ years. However, with this good, there is always some bad lurking in the corners of everywhere you go. Just like reality, you have people who don't always have your best interest in mind. There are a lot of people who want something out of you so they "fake it to make it" is the best way to explain it. You have your good people, but you also have your fake and unstable individuals as well. I've run into all sorts of different individuals. I highly believe in the traits that come with our astrological signs. Leading off the beaten path for a moment I'm a Taurus and Taurus' are known to want to in a sense "fix people" or mainly see the good in people until they're shown otherwise. The sad fact is we normally must learn the hard way every single time. This does get tiring after a while as a fellow Taurus trust me it's a huge flaw for us. In Second Life it's normally when you bring together a large group of people. I've found that these people tend to be attracted into some of the Second Life RPG HUD game systems such as Bloodlines, the new Bloodline war system (I'll be honest even with research I'm not sure what it's called because I won't dive into things like that), and A&D (Angels and Demons) which I wish wasn't the case. You'll find a lot of drama within family RP's too.
Experience with HUD Gaming RPG Systems:
This is where I've experienced most of my drama within Second Life and I honestly believe even though I sound like a broken record… that it's because with getting a huge group together with various personalities and opinions there is bound to be some drama and disagreements with certain things. With Bloodlines, I remember how one of my clans fell and fell hard the leader quit Second Life shortly after because of all the drama. She felt everyone was attacking her personally with their words and she couldn't take it anymore. This is also proof that words hurt they do you don't have to physically do anything to hurt a person. There were scandals, cheating, greed, and hatred throughout my time in this "family." also, something to note these clans were part of the family role-play life so most clans were like you virtual families. This is just how it was… some aren't like this out there I just have yet to find them in my journeys through these RPG game systems. Drama is hugely found throughout A&D (Angels and Demons) I've seen and been a part of this drama firsthand as much as I regret it were all human and make mistakes. My Second Life mom who I have been her daughter in this virtual world for 11 years threw that all away for a family that got mad at me for talking to the leader of the hordes exs because they were at one point family and I didn't have anything wrong with them. Because of this, I got kicked out of the horde after I was asked who my friends were… lost my Second Life mom of 11 years almost lost my Second Life dad but he left the mom to be with me because I never have lied to anyone inside of these virtual worlds before I've always been honest he knew I was a good person. These are the type of people you'll find in Second Life. A lot of people go through this at some point but in different stages or ways. It sucks but it's the risk your taking when joining one of these groups. A lot of the time they hurt people for their gain because their life isn't happy because of this their narcissistic views cloud their judgment. These people do exist online, and this proves it.
One thing to always remember is there is an “X” in the corner of your window and ways to leave the situation. There are also block and delete buttons, don’t feel like you have to “fix people” your mental health is more important. Do what you have to do to live a positively happy virtual life don't let drama and bull shit enter your life because people aren't happy with theirs. Do yourself a favor because if you don't you will be hurt. Not everyone has the best intentions for you some view individuals as a target. Be careful! But don't forget there are ways to escape a situation that's the best thing about everything being in a window on your computer screen you don't have to put up with things. If you stay that is your decision and you will suffer the consequences of your actions. I know because I've experienced it firsthand many times and learned this all the hard way… Just know you are loved, cared about, and 100% unique and authentic as an individual people get jealous of that. Flaunt it and don't forget to be yourself. This is the best advice you could ever receive to better your virtual life and I hope you take it.
Family Roleplay Drama in Second Life and IMVU:
Both virtual worlds have what is called “family RP" or family roleplaying. This is where there is a mom, dad, siblings and so on… This is a huge area to receive drama so just know this ahead of time if your planning to get into something like this. When the mom and dad break up the family is broken and there is a lot of back and forth as to who did what and each party has their own individualized story that they go off and tell everyone else in the family. Being humans, of course, everyone will take certain sides with who they FAVOR the most or the story that they believe the most. This is where the drama comes in. Another scenario that could bring in the drama is let's say you start dating your virtual mom or dads' best friend and he breaks up with you. Everyone will believe him more than you and will disown you…it sucks but that's what happens… I've had moments where people have left me randomly for things, I never did but because they trusted someone, they knew longer it left me in difficult situations. Different types of drama could happen in family RP but this is the most prominent and should be discussed. People when starting only see the positive but there is that grey shadow that isn't seen until you're truly a part of it. I felt this important to make people aware of the possible drama that could be lurking in the virtual world or worlds that you're a part of.
Internet Trolls and Cyberbullies in Virtual Worlds:
I’ve realized that internet trolls inhabit virtual worlds, they prey on people who they feel will just take their stupidity and emotional harm. They also are just people bored or unhappy with their own lives and seeing people in distress, frustration, and sometimes hurt and panicked they get a kick out of. They gain “power” from this it’s like a power exchange in a way because they’re knocking down the walls of an individual, they feel like they can do anything. This makes them feel better sadly. When this happens just get away from them, they’re not worth it. At the very least there are “report” buttons all over the place to report individuals to moderators. If it’s a post most of the time they remove the post and stop the individual that is posting for a time limit or sometimes if it's bad enough indefinitely. Sometimes moderators block accounts it depends on how bad the situation is at the time. Just know they do this to make themselves feel better and sometimes it's even just out of pure stupidity and boredom. Don't let this knock you down if you're feeling emotionally drained and distressed just exit out of whatever you're doing and go do something else. Again, if you stay that is a decision you have made and "may the odds ever be in your favor."
In conclusion, there are good and bad people all over the world and online. You just have to be careful of who you trust and associate yourself with drama is everywhere, but you can get yourself out of it with just one click of a button. Or by blocking and deleting an individual, there are also report buttons everywhere that report the situation to a moderator for them to take a course of action. Just know you're not alone and you don't have to stand for any drama that comes into your virtual life for any reason. It's uncalled for. However, it is your decision as I've said many times throughout this post if you want to stay and put up with it. But I'd suggest if it comes to that point just log off and leave your computer for the night and do something else. There are so many methods of coping with these situations and I hope this post was helpful for you. This was all simplified, so this post didn't run over a specific word count as I strive to keep posts below 2,100 words at the very most. Don't forget to live your virtual life to the fullest life, in general, is too short we get enough drama in our reality don't put up with it here too.
