The Seven Stages of Second Life

The other evening, wandering the grid while in the fourth stage of grief , I met Charlotte Bartlett a very talented and interesting woman form London, England.

We talked about our virtual experiences and she shared her philosophy on the Seven Stages of Second Life:

1. Discovery - Finding out there is a Second Life, just realising you can change your looks, talk to people etc) This holds fast for all virtual platforms.

2. Engagement- Becoming aware of the interface, using it, changing items, purchases, initial social relationships

3. Immersing- Forging friendships, emotional ties to objects, places or people.

4. Emotional Investment- Relationships moving to other than friendship, planning time to be with a person online

5. Skill Learning/Subject Matter - Creation of objects, designing, bringing your individuality to your presence on the platform.

6. Blow Up- Relationship breakdown, broken hearts, deleting work, feeling stressed, overworked, too involved, wanting things to move to RL.

7. Acceptance - stay or leave

And as Charlotte so wisely said:

[14:35] Charlotte Bartlett: if you reach 7 in SL you normally stay lol.

[14:36] Charlotte Bartlett: many flick between stages 3-6 on repeat cycle lol

I think I'm going to stay!