The practice and ethics of self-creativity in ludic virtual worlds

Abstract

This thesis investigates how contemporary selfhood is enacted in ludic virtual worlds and explores three key questions in this regard: What is self-creativity? To what extent is self-creativity possible in ludic virtual worlds? And how are we to deal with the ethical consequences of self-creativity in these worlds? Contemporary selfhood is first established as highly fluid in nature, marked more specifically by multiplicity, process, performance and agency. The notion of self-creativity is introduced as a practical framework for understanding how socially-constituted subjects can transform themselves in new and valuable ways through the performance of multiple roles and identities via roleplay and role-taking. The ways in which self-creativity is practiced, promoted, thriving and limited in ludic virtual worlds is then examined. Two key objections to the potential for self-creativity in these playful digital environments are scrutinised: the argument from non-reality and the argument from reality. It is suggested that, while these arguments are fruitful for understanding certain practical constraints to self-creativity in ludic virtual worlds, they nevertheless both stem from a reality discourse that itself obscures the ongoing expression of self-creativity in playful digital environments. The ethical consequences of self-creativity in ludic virtual worlds are then discussed. Through an exploration of case studies that highlight the moral ambiguity of these worlds, it is shown that self-creativity may be understood as linked to deception and the performance of immoral roles. At the same time, however, it is argued that self-creativity in ludic virtual worlds is a potentially valuable and worthwhile pursuit that is linked to authenticity, freedom, and wellbeing. In attempting to balance ethical and self-creative interests, it is proposed that participants, educators, developers and academics alike would do well to nurture a self-creative attitude alongside a greater awareness of the ambiguity of ludic virtual worlds. At the same time, the option of conceptually designating some ludic virtual worlds as ‘second realities’ is also considered, a suggestion that ultimately aims at establishing spaces in which self-creativity can continue to flourish.