My experience thus far on JokaydiaGRID has been a difficult one. Being in-world is very daunting. There is so much to explore it is overwhelming. I notice that every time I log in I see new artifacts being built and progress people are making while I am just getting started. Then, when I am not in-world, I notice I am nervous because I am not caught up with everyone else. I feel like I am falling behind, like I am losing something, like I am losing a race, or losing the race to build the most stuff, or build it the best or build it the biggest. It is a strange feeling to have so much anxiety revolving around something I previously could have had absolutely no interest in.

When I log in, I feel like I am working against the clock. It seems like a waste of time to spend so much time looking around a virtual world. So I want to get in and out. However, in that time,  have to make significant progress. Inevitably, I end up spending much more time in-world than I plan and get side tracked often. I usually get captured by assignments or going back to the emporium to customize my avatar more. One feeling I notice is that no matter how much progress I make or work I get done, I never feel caught up like it is an endless, ongoing job.

These feelings are a little stressful, especially considering, as I mentioned before, that I normally would not be invested in something like this. I like games and gaming. But living in a virtual world just seems like a waste of time. Why accomplish tasks virtually when I can accomplish tasks in real life, like working out, or finishing a paper or reading a chapter? What is the point in building a cube?

That said, I realize this is all part of the learning process. And I am seeing some attraction to being able to meet people this way. Not that I am a social and outgoing friendly person, but from a networking aspect. I think this is a good way to meet people and barter knowledge and skills. I am sure I can offer something that someone may want and in turn, I can tap them with skills I posses. I do find the exercises challenging and look forward to learning more. I will check back after my next in-world experience.