Memorializing the deceased using virtual worlds: A preliminary study

Abstract

Virtual worlds, for many users represent a very real space that intersects with aspects of real life. Time spent in these online environments represent extensions to everyday life, including our expressions and connections to other users. As these spaces become even more entwined into our way of life, there will be an increase of expressions being played-out in these environments. The focus of this paper addresses how memorials used for expression and remembrance of the deceased are represented in cyberspace. Several questions are posed concerning how virtual worlds can be used in this way along with a presentation of information collected from a preliminary survey. Our survey concentrates on user perceptions of various aspects of virtual world memorials.