How to Deal with Situations in SL

Second Life (SL) is a virtual world open to anyone with a computer that can run the client software and has a decent internet connection. With that in mind, although you will find most of your encounters pleasant and delightful ones, you will also run into people or situations where you might feel uncomfortable. The beauty of these encounters in SL as opposed to Real Life (RL) is that you can easily leave.

Communicating with Others:

• When people start asking questions:
  
  Don't tell too much about yourself. Apply the same rules as you would in any other social network. People can and do hide behind their avatars, making them virtually untraceable. Of course, that can work to your advantage, as others can only know as much about you as you tell them.

• Don't give out RL information about others:
  
  If you choose to give out RL information about yourself, that is your decision, but DO NOT give out information about others in SL. In fact, to do so breaks the Terms of Service Agreement and could get you banned.

• When people say things that make you feel uncomfortable:
  • First, politely ask them to stop. Usually this does the trick. Giving respect earns respect.
  • Second, ignore their comments and go about your business. Sometimes when they get no feedback, they lose interest and go away.
  • Third, leave. Walk, fly, or teleport away. With teleporting, they can't follow you.
  • Fourth, if you are on a friend's land, and the other person has become abusive and refuses to quit, contact the friend or owner and ask them to intervene or ban the person from the land.
  • Fifth, if you feel the person was extremely abusive, report them to Linden Labs.
• When people shoot at you or put cages around you:
  • These people are usually known as griefers. They cause others "grief," hence the name.
  • Get their name, first and foremost.
  • Ask them to stop.
  • If they don't stop, report them to Linden Labs.
  • The owner of the land can also freeze and/or ban them.
  • Teleport out of the area. They can't follow you.
  • Griefers and abusive people want to cause you problems, but they need a reaction from you to make it satisfying. So, as tempting as it is, DO NOT get into an argument or griefing match with them. That's just what they are looking for.