Real relationships in a virtual world: Social engagement among older adults in Second Life
C.J. O'Brien, J.L. Smith, D.E. Beck
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AbstractBackground This study examined Second Life (SL), a 3D immersive environment, as an opportunity for older adults to create new social relationships. Method A total of 39 adults aged 60 and older (86.8% female, 13.2% male) completed the study. Outside of the weekly, two-hour formal instruction time, they spent a minimum of 20 hours in SL over the course of two weeks. Semi-structured in-person interviews were conducted with each participant to explore their attitudes toward and perceptions of online relationships; their experiences interacting with others in SL and the degree to which they formed relationships; and the challenges they encountered in creating these relationships. Results & discussion We found that older adults were largely receptive to the possibility of creating online relationships, but only a minority of them were successful in establishing them. A number of challenges to creating these relationships are discussed. This study suggests that SL may offer social benefits to a subset of older adults; however, simpler platforms should be explored to reduce challenges in navigating online environments.Keywords: aging, immersive environment, interpersonal relationships, technology
C.J. O'Brien, J.L. Smith, D.E. Beck (2016). Real relationships in a virtual world: Social engagement among older adults in Second Life. Gerontechnology, 15(3), 171-179
https://doi.org/10.4017/gt.2016.15.3.006.00