My Doubts "As They Really Are"

I've given "Second Life" the time of day only twice, ever. Once was three years ago, when Elder Bednar told me about it during a CES fireside. The other was today in class as I watched Dr. Burton's avatar fly over green meadows and explore virtual art and architecture.


Remember this scene from "The Truman Show?"
image from here

Three years ago, I was creeped out by the stories that were shared about virtual romantic relationships. Today, I was entranced by the novelty of the parallel universe that exists- for the opportunities it allows people who can't experience certain things in "real" life, whether it's because of geographic or financial limitations or simply the law of gravity. But I'm still very skeptical about whether good can really come from it. And that's even after taking away the "sketchy" stuff we've specifically been counseled to avoid...

After class, I decided to listen to the talk again. (Read the Ensign article here,)

I need to do my own reading/watching/researching about "Second Life" before I completely dismiss it as "just a techno-utopian time suck." But, though it may seem unfair, I'm using my first exposure to it, Elder Bednar's talk, as a reference point. So perhaps tomorrow I'll delve back into that other world. But for now, here are some notes I jotted down as I listened to "Things As They Really Are." (I know many of my classmates have already referenced this talk, or at least the Mormon message. But I still want to include some pertinent parts here.)

About to experience things as they really are...
image from here

Our physical bodies are important in our progression in that they provide a breadth, depth, and intensity of experience that wasn't possible in the pre-mortal existence- these are experiences we must have "according to the flesh."

body + spirit = OUR REALITY & IDENTITY 
 
If Satan can't get us to misuse our physical bodies, he will try to minimize the importance of them by beguiling us to disconnnect gradually and physically from "things as they really are." One of these ways is to entice us to "neglect eternal relationships for digital distractions, diversions, and detours that have no lasting value."

To replicate, augment, or create virtual realities is good if it saves lives or improves the quality of life (ex. flight simulations for pilots, temple design, etc.).

"I raise an apostolic warning about the potentially stifling, suffocating, suppressing and constraining impact of some kinds of cyberspace interactions and experiences upon our souls."

I want to experience "light and truth so discernable they can be tasted"

"O then, is not this real?"

Don't substitute "the monotony of virtual repetition for the infinite variety of God's creations and convince us we are mortal things to be acted upon instead of eternal souls with agency to act for ourselves"

Two questions for my personal pondering and study:

1. Does the use of various technology and media invite or impede the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost in my life?
2. Does the time I spend using various technology and media enlarge or restrict my capacity to live, to love and to serve in meaningful ways?

"I promise you will receive answers, inspiration and instruction from the Holy Ghost suited to your individual circumstances and needs."