Dissociation & Second Life: Pathology or a State of Mind?

Dr. Gregory P. Garvey of Quinnipiac University spoke to the Hartford Ethics Group on Nov 11, 2009 on the relationship of dissociative mental illness and Second Life.

Dissociation & Second Life: Pathology or a State of Mind? from James Hughes on Vimeo.

Abstract: “Classical” border/boundaries theories examine conflicts that arise between the domains of work, family and so-called third places such as clubs, sports and other social activities outside home or work life. I have argued for consideration of a fourth place, namely the virtual. In this presentation I will consider the impact of the “unrealness” of the experience of being “in” the virtual world of Second Life. I will further suggest that this experience of being “in world” invites a comparison with the diagnostic criteria for dissociation disorders such as depersonalization and derealization as described by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV-TR.

Bio: Professor Greg Garvey teaches in the Department of Computer Science and Interactive Digital Design at Quinnipiac University. Previously at Quinnipiac University he was the Visiting Fellow in the Arts and also was an Associate Artist of the Digital Media Center for the Arts at Yale University.

The Hartford Ethics Group is a monthly discussion group on bioethics themes coordinated by James Hughes and Miller Brown of Trinity College. For more information, or to submit a topic, please contact James Hughes at: james.hughes at trincoll.edu”

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