Addiction, counselling and virtual worlds
I was reading a US-website and there was a story on popular TV Show CSI New York and a cross-over they were doing with the virtual world Second Life. Basically, viewers of the show can go into Second Life and try to solve crimes in a CSI area of the virtual world. It got me thinking about the counselling opportunities in a virtual world so I googled a little and found an Australian site that has covered the issue:
1. Addiction – SL as the double-edged sword
2. Counselling in Second Life
3. Interview – Wellman and Wellman Counselling
I find it all pretty fascinating and I’ve even purchased a small advertisement on their site to see how many people are interested in addictions that use Second Life. I can see the privacy benefits of discussing addiction
issues within a virtual world but can also see the problems that could arise. What are your thoughts?
Federal Election 2007 – another missed opportunity for ATOD?
We’re nearly a week into the Federal election campaign now and so far there’s been no focus on ATOD aside from the Ben Cousins issue overshadowing the wider political narrative. There’s still five weeks to go so there’s some hope for substantive announcements though my guess is the two major parties will ‘me-too’ on the current approach.
I thought it might be a good juncture for people to comment on their ideal policy announcement in an election campaign. Within financial constraints, what policy announcement would you make that would change people’s lives and also help get you elected? Is it possible to do both? Would love your thoughts……