The Virtual Tethering of Skydive Arizona

This qualitative research utilized Skydive Arizona as a model to create a virtual duplicate site online in Second Life. Using both spaces, events and Happenings were conducted experimenting with art, social and philanthropic engagement simultaneously online and in the physical space. The researcher entered the study with questions concerning Web 5.0, the three-dimensional internet, and beyond, and emerged with interesting ideas concerning Virtual Tethering, Breaking the Fifth Wall, art Happenings, and virtual philanthropic events utilizing this technique. The intention was to educate the participants, musicians, virtual and physical exhibit attendees alike, on the idea of blending realities. This study is an example set forth of people inhabiting physical and virtual space at once without closing off to physical or virtual social engagement, instigating new ideas and possibilities in social augmented activities.
It was discovered that many struggle with the comprehension of connections between the virtual space and reality, once immersed in either the physical or virtual event. Few interacted in both spaces simultaneously, but once enlightened to the Happenings, most were excited about these possibilities indicating that seeds have been planted in the participants.