The Worldview of Malay Youths in the Virtual World of Second Life: The Real-World Escapism

Abstract

This qualitative study investigated the worldview of a group of Malaysian Malay youths known as SL1Malaysia in the virtual world of Second Life, spanning more than two years from 2012 to the present. Kozinet’s model of Netnography within the ethnographic framework was used to describe the online communities or groups in the virtual world, where people are represented by avatars. Data were collected via online interviews with participants selected from the SL1Malaysia group based on two a priori criteria. These participants consisted of six active, closely-knitted, loyal members inhabiting the virtual environment of Second Life. The worldview elements contributing to the real-world escapism were examined through the representation of the participants’ senses, thoughts, and actions via their avatars. The participants listed several reasons leading to real-world escapism, such as relief of real-life stress, neglecting real-life responsibilities, and obsession, among others. There is an urgent need for us to further ascertain the influence of the virtual platform on the construction of alternative worldviews among the Malay youths in Malaysia.