Worth Reading: A Personal Take on Digital Diplomacy & Virtual Worlds

Image Source: Understanding Islam through Virtual Worlds graphic book on Flickr.

Digital Diplomacy as a concept continues to evolve. It is still very new with limited analysis of the effectiveness of new media and technology tools for cultural relations. To confound this more, the tools and venues are in a constant state of evolution: Appearing and disappearing oftentimes on a near monthy basis.

One way thinking is moved forward is by people experiencing first hand these new mediums and venues and assessing their value for themselves. Blogger Attia Nasar has an interesting new blog post in which she examines Rita J. King and my 2009 report, "Digital Diplomacy: Understanding Islam through Virtual Worlds."

In the course of her analysis, Ms. Nasar visits the virtual world of Second Life and the locations we covered in our report. Her personal, visceral reaction to visiting the hajj to Mecca not only informs the unique aspect of this medium, but demonstrates how far we have to go in understanding its potential. From the blog:

Another benefit of Second Life, is that it transcends many societal attributes that could otherwise prohibit one from approaching sensitive topics as religion. Virtual worlds offer people the ability to immerse oneself in another culture. However, it must be noted that virtual worlds cannot and should not replace real-life exchange programs.

I am on Second Life, and recently I visited the Kabaa, in Mecca. It was such a bizarre feeling but amazing at the same time. I was able to meet other Muslims from all over the world and understand more about Islam. I also have the opportunity to now participate in a virtual pilgrimage, or Hajj, to Mecca. In the future I hope to explore other religious sites around the world.

(Thanks Dr. Brown!) [Digital Diplomacy.]