Using virtual worlds to conduct health-related research: Lessons from two pilot studies in Second Life

Highlights

• Second life is a virtual world used for social networking and interactions.

• It provides a unique platform that lends itself to digitally-mediated health research.

• Second Life provides advantages for recruitment of participants.

• Barriers to Second Life include challenges in learning the platform.

• Enhancements of this platform could make it useful for conducting health research.

Abstract

Virtual worlds are an example of Web 2.0 applications which are increasingly being utilized for their interactive and immersive environments to share health information with the public and to study health-relevant behaviors. Second Life is one of the best known web-based virtual world platforms and offers researchers a range of new opportunities to conduct health research and to observe digitally-mediated behaviors. To explore the utility of conducting health-related research in a virtual world, we hosted two pilot projects in Second Life, one a quantitative health communication intervention and the other, a qualitative focus groups, examining concerns over the safety and benefits of immunization. Both pilot studies replicated research projects our team had led using conventional focus groups and pre- and post-exposure questionnaires for an information session on the safety of vaccines. Both studies were also ultimately unsuccessful. This article provides a post-hoc analysis of our experiences. We identified that the primary advantages of virtual world research are (1) reducing physical/geographic barriers to participation; (2) providing low cost tools to design unique mixed-media communication channels and interfaces; (3) anonymity and avatar representation can encourage discussion on sensitive topics; and (4) facilitating the observation of a range of digitally-mediated behaviors. However, the primary disadvantage of participant difficulty learning how to use Second Life negated the potential benefits. We conclude that virtual worlds offer promise for health research, however, in order for them to realize their potential they will have to be made more accessible to new users.

Introduction

Three dimensional computer-generated environments, known as virtual worlds, are examples of Web 2.0 applications which are being leveraged for health-related use [1], [2]. Second Life, created by Linden Labs, is one of the best known web-based virtual world platforms, and its use is predominantly focused on the creation of virtual objects, content, simulated experiences, and social interaction [3]. These virtual worlds offer intriguing possibilities for the conduct of health research [4], [5]. By permitting individuals to meet virtually in simulated environments, these worlds can overcome geographical boundaries. The potential for the use of applications in these environments can also enhance communication and create new mechanisms for the transmission of information. At the same time, however, virtual worlds do not replicate real life contact and it remains unclear as to how such interactions alter participants׳ behavior.

To explore the utility of conducting health-related research in a virtual world, we hosted two pilot projects in Second Life that expanded an ongoing research program examining parental concerns over the safety and benefits of immunization and the role social media plays in shaping these concerns. We approached this study as researchers with experience using standard real world research platforms who were interested in the potential utility of virtual worlds to facilitate research. We had familiarity with Second Life from an academic perspective but had never previously utilized it for conducting a study [2]. The two pilot studies were ultimately unsuccessful. This article analyzes our post-hoc experiences of replicating real-world research in virtual environments and the opportunities to do health research differently. We identified several key domains that distinguished virtual and real-world research environments and comment on some of the promises and pitfalls of conducting health research in Second Life made apparent through our two pilot studies.