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Who Needs Real-Life? Examining Needs in Real-Life and Virtual Worlds

Barnes, Stuart J., Pressey, Andrew D. (2012) Who Needs Real-Life? Examining Needs in Real-Life and Virtual Worlds. Journal of Computer Information Systems, 52 (4). ISSN 0887-4417. (The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided) (KAR id:34675)

The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided.

Abstract

Several authors have suggested that virtual worlds provide the potential for an altered reality for their users, who may seek to experiment with different personalities, appearances and personal needs. This paper empirically tests this assertion using Maslow's three higher order needs as the base. A survey delivered in the virtual world Second Life examines needs in real-life and the virtual world and personal characteristics. Using ANOVA the paper tests for differences in needs between the two environments and according to personal characteristics. The study finds that real-life needs significantly dominate virtual world needs. However, the pattern of needs in Second Life is different to reallife needs and emphasizes higher order needs, particularly selfactualization. This is particularly the case for the most innovative users of technology. Needs in real-life are still the key motivator for consumers, but the results also demonstrate the notion of an 'altered reality' for some respondents.

Item Type: Article
Subjects: H Social Sciences
H Social Sciences > HA Statistics > HA33 Management Science
Divisions: Divisions > Kent Business School - Division > Kent Business School (do not use)
Depositing User: Catherine Norman
Date Deposited: 17 Jul 2013 10:07 UTC
Last Modified: 16 Nov 2021 10:12 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/34675 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Barnes, Stuart J..

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