About this blog
If, as predicted by Ray Kurzweil and others, most interpersonal interactions will by mid-century occur in virtual environments, we need to understand the psychological and cultural implications for education, business, governance, and for society overall.Taking its title from the J.G. Ballard novel of that name, the Unlimited Dream Company is an in-world research and discussion group for those interested in the ways in which technology shapes psychology in virtual worlds--and, in particular, those who believe that immersive 3D worlds have become a medium par excellence for thought experiment and personal transformation, whether intended by its 'residents' or not.
You are encouraged to read the introductory statement and About page before reading individual articles.
This blog was launched on 28th December 2010.
Monthly Archives: July 2011
The Myth of Sisyphus
This morning I had a chat with one of my oldest and dearest SL friends, a well educated, highly intelligent, and deeply insightful woman, a friend whom I love dearly and respect immensely. Briefly and uneasily back in SL after … Continue reading
My avatar, my ‘imaginary friend’: the importance of play in social virtual worlds
“Imaginary friends”, writes Suzanne Hall, are a happy, if mysterious, part of childhood. You may have trouble remembering the names of your grandchildren’s imaginary pals, or exactly what species they are, but you needn’t worry that their existence is a … Continue reading
Poll: How do you feel about your Second Life experience?
In this first of several polls we’ll post to this blog over the coming months, we’d like to sound you out on a very simple question: How do you feel about Second Life? about your experience of being there? Note … Continue reading
‘Trapped in a perfect world’
I remember one day–I’ll never forget–I was about four years old and I was playing one day and I saw the cellar door open, just a crack. Now my folks had always warned me “Emo, whatever you do, don’t go … Continue reading
BOTGIRL: (UN)REAL
BOTGIRL: (UN)REAL. Botgirl Questi has a post on her blog called “For Those Who Say Avatar Identity Isn’t Real”. What could possibly be meant by a statement like ‘Botgirl isn’t real’? If we equate reality with existence, then the statement … Continue reading
