Journal article
Second life avatars as extensions of social and physical bodies in people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Continuum: Journal of Media & Cultural Studies, Vol.27(6), pp.837-849
2013
Abstract
In 2009, a virtual reality support centre in the virtual world Second Life was constructed for people with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome to determine whether a virtual reality setting could help alleviate the social isolation experienced by sufferers of this condition, despite the specific challenges technology presents to individuals with the illness. The results of the study suggest that the physiological effects experienced by participants while navigating their Second Life avatars necessitate a reconsideration of the relationship between the organic human body, psychoanalytic projections of the idealized or socially constructed body and technology. This paper examines the role avatars play as extensions of both the social and physiological bodies of users by combining phenomenological, cyberfeminist and psychoanalytic theory with recent findings in neuroscience.
Details
- Title
- Second life avatars as extensions of social and physical bodies in people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Authors/Creators
- K. Best (Author/Creator) - Murdoch UniversityS. Butler (Author/Creator) - McMaster University
- Publication Details
- Continuum: Journal of Media & Cultural Studies, Vol.27(6), pp.837-849
- Publisher
- Routledge
- Identifiers
- 991005541080507891
- Copyright
- © 2013 Taylor & Francis
- Murdoch Affiliation
- School of Arts
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:
Source: InCites
Metrics
23 Record Views
InCites Highlights
These are selected metrics from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool, related to this output
- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- International collaboration
- Citation topics
- 6 Social Sciences
- 6.185 Communication
- 6.185.1004 Digital Media Impact
- Web Of Science research areas
- Communication
- Cultural Studies
- Film, Radio, Television
- ESI research areas
- Social Sciences, general