i've had a pretty good time of late discovering second life. caught this article by the center for parent/youth understanding on second life becoming more into first life.
Even though just four years old and relatively unknown to non-cyberspace dwellers, the last few months have vaulted SL into the public, real world consciousness of advertisers, businesses, universities and ordinary people looking for fun, companionship or something a little different from the first life they are currently living.
...
SL represents another step in cultural interaction. As with other Internet advancements, the possibility of good and evil is present. I would imagine, for the good, in the near future, churches may make use of SL to promote events, hold services and even provide support networks. However, I also imagine, for the bad, that evil influences will continue to find ways to lure avatars (people) into dark places. So, since SL and similar sites are here, let me offer a few suggestions and observations:
...
Cyberspace reality does impact the way one interacts in the real world. As demonstrated, the real world is cashing in on the real needs expressed in SL. It also has been demonstrated, more than once, that relationships built in cyberspace, even though beginning with the promise of confidentiality, find their way into the real world either by choice or by deception. The real world impact of SL conjures up the following questions: If SL users, particularly teens, can use the anonymity of SL to work through identity issues, how will that affect the struggle for identity in first life interaction? Furthermore, if avatars, who gather enough resources, can find life fulfillment in SL (friendship, security, sexual fulfillment, religious enlightenment, etc.), how will that affect the search for the fulfillment of those same needs in first life? Realize cyberspace does impact the way we live life outside cyberspace.
Don’t let your SL experience cheapen the way you view and live life in the real world. Even though real-world interaction and challenges have found their way into SL, and participants can lose real money in this virtual world, remember that there is a real life outside of SL where real people are living life in all its fullness, failures and pain.
