We could mention many success cases of residents who have become real
millionaires thanks to Second life. Or even of successful virtual relationships
which changed the lives of real people in a very positive way. However, today
we will go further and we will be addressing amazing uses of Second Life that
have great impact in Real Life.
This virtual platform is very effective when it comes to creating campaigns
to help people plagued by natural disasters or to raising funds for the underprivileged
to ensure their basic needs. In this global platform it becomes easier to reach
new targets and appeal to the hearts of residents and involve them in noble
causes. Either as an
act of altruism or selfishness, the truth is that the volunteer also benefits
from a fantastic feeling that he/she is doing a good deed.
There are communities
in Second Life that stand for a common paradigm: breaking
personal, physical, mental, educational
and social barriers for a better
quality of life. Associations and social charities open
new virtual horizons and invest in resources to raise awareness and funds for
their causes. Relay For Life, for example, has an immense human machine
mounted for success. Thousands of dollars raised yearly are the fruit of a collective
effort and commitment, benefiting billions of people in RL in the fight against
cancer.
But there is a niche of users who directly and immediately benefit from
the use of this platform: individuals with neurological disorders, such as Autism,
Asperger's or even social anxiety, among many other real diseases here virtually
represented. Being social interaction a
great issue for people on the spectrum, for the lack of ability to conduct
face-to-face interaction the way most people can, Second Life becomes a useful
tool to create safe environments that facilitate socialization. When behind an
avatar, the tics and physical expressions that are characteristic to Asperger’s
and that disrupt the communication do not apply. Adding to that, writing
communication is less stressful than face-to face. Again, through the avatar
the person creates his/her own pace and controls the interaction. Social
anxiety is a disorder that also creates unease, fear of public speaking or fear
of what others think of her/him. Again this virtual world is an amazing tool
for the treatment process, facilitating communication, socialization and
increasing self-esteem.
Second Life is therapeutic because we can exorcise our monsters in the
virtual environment. But by using this
application to communicate with strangers we have to consider that we may be
interacting with people who struggle with disorders or diseases. Here is an
appeal to tolerance and patience.
The beauty of Second Life is that you can always find a helping hand or
a friendly word in communities or support groups where people are engaged in
improving people’s quality of life. Whatever your cause, you will find several
venues on the grid where you can find lots of useful information, and where
caretakers, family and friends can get support.
Here are some of those places and support groups:
G Rated GTS -
Autism and Aspergers / VMS Music www.gtsmt.com
Guardian Spirit, and its parent company GTS, Inc. exists to provide a
safe place to network, socialize, ask for advice, and facilitate a healthy
community for those on the spectrum as well as those who aren't.
Club Neuro (Nero
Tupicals):
“Autism
Awareness Center - HealthVillage ~ New York”
“This is an
unbiased Autism Information Facility. There are sections for Autism History,
Autism Today, Autism in the Classroom and tips for parents, teachers and
public. We also have links to websites for persons with Autism, connections…”
“Autism World”
“Welcome to
Autism world. Here you will find many T-shirts for sale that are made by Steve
Steed. Some of These T-shirts represent Autism Awareness. As well as non-autism
awareness
“SL's Cancer
Caregivers is a sister group of the ACS Cancer Survivors Network (formerly SL's
Cancer Survivors) and has been formed for all caregivers and supporters of
those who are living with or have survived cancer in real life”.
Alzheimer’s
Awareness – Support group
„This group is for those whose lives have been affected by Alzheimer's
Disease. Feel free to share personal
experiences. This is a support group for
those who need support and an informational group for those who would like to
learn more about this disease. Let's
raise awareness and promote future research to find a cure! You can IM me, Madi
Sweetwater, at any time to ask questions or share stories. Thanks for joining
this group and showing your support!“
Healthinfo
Island – Welcome Center
Healthinfo
Island – Path of Support
“HealthInfo Island provides timely, accurate, & accessible information
on topics related to physical, emotional, & mental health for residents of
SL. Information is provided through displays, links to outside resources,
events & personalized assistance.”
Breast Cancer Awareness – Support group
“The goal of this
group is to increase the awareness of the epidemic of breast cancer and to
support those whose lives have been touched by this disease of women and
men. Out of 100,000 men, one of them
will get breast cancer. Men are welcomed to the group either as patients or
loved ones of women who have or had breast cancer. Available for support for
any breast cancer patient or survivor, male or female.”
Buddy Walk –
support group
“Join us in celebration of World Down Syndrome Day
with a live music festival. The 5th Annual Buddy Walk will be an event not to
miss! All funds collected will go directly to NDSS (National Down Syndrome
Society). slbuddywalk.org”
There are for sure other uses of Second life that
benefit real life. We would like you to share your own experiences in this
subject with us.
Glossom
I have been looking for an Alzheimer support group/place but I dont see a link here
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