It Is Not Just Porn

In the comments on previous post, Smiley asked

why the heck is there mature content at all in Second Life? I mean, people looking for free porn should just use Google to find some :-P. Plus, there’s Red Light Center now, basically a 100% sex world… :-S

I started my reply with counter-question but there is a lot more to be said.

Why there is mature content? Well, why not? That is the beauty of second life, that the residents can and do create freely. If they want mature content and create it, then it is to be there. I (and I firmly believe that majority of people around share this attitude) don't want to live in a world in which some higher authority declares what do we need and ask why do we need something, be it virtual or the real world. We are practicing freedom of creativity and open society here. 

And it is not just porn. Porn that you can find via Google lacks the very essence of second life's experience, it lacks interactivity. Sex in second life is not about surfing the images or movies of naked people having sex, it is about communication and interaction. It is about sharing the fantasies. It is about getting to know somebody and getting to know yourself better. It is much more than just being a passive consumer.

And yes, there is Red Light Center which is, as Smiley said a 100% sex world. Which means it lacks everything else. You come there, make an avatar and jump into poseballs. And then? What do you do after? Nothing. Sex in second life is not just about sex. Not only that you cannot create your own content in Red Light Center, you cannot do anything else. You cannot go shopping or dancing, or building with your lovers and friends. You cannot do anything else with them than to have virtual sex. You cannot meet them out of the sheets. You cannot get the broader picture of them. Not only that is the poor knowing of the person one have cybersex with, it is also poor sex with with somebody you cannot know better.