Second Life is basically a 3D virtual reality game that can be accessed online with internet connection. There are over 9 million users who populated this game and take on the name as residents. For Second Life is a whole new world that intimates real life but allows users to do and be anythings. There are no limits, setbacks or shortcomings like in real life. All dreams can come true…. This is the dominant reason why Second life is so popular and attracts so many people. Its the real world but better. It offers an escape from reality where some people face 9 t o 5 jobs, financial problems, disabilities, low self esteem, debt and other things. In Second Life you can be rich, live on an island, look drooped dead gorgeous and be so popular. You ever had dreams to be a club owner or a fashion artist? Well you can it as if Second Life posses this magic wand and you can have an endless amount of wishes and with an instant click of a button they appear. The possibilities are endless.
My thesis
Virtual Life has given people an escape from reality by allowing users to create alternative versions of themselves With these versions of themselves they are also equip with complete power and control. Allowing users to fill in the missing parts in their lives with the help of the digital world.
Main points
- Second Life was created back in 2003 by Philip Rosedale
- 3Dwebsite based virtual world
- 9 million users
- it isn’t a game because there are no rules, points or levels
- people spent 18 hours a week on Second Life
- It remains popular and growing due to users who have control
- Real money and time in put into use in Second Life
- Many real life aspects such as stars, clothes, companies,brands, organizations are in Second Life.
- People are attracted to it because the control and power they have and able to be a do anything
- A form of escapism
- can be refer to a community also a social network
- People with disabilities , diseases and other things have been able to find relief,support and happiness in Second Life.
Quotes
“Our goal with Second Life is to make it better than real life in a lot of ways”(Rosedale 1)
“It can be real life enhancing for populations who are isolated, physical, mental or geographical reasons.”(Boss 1)
“The emotional punch of the virtual worlds makes them fertile breeding grounds for false misleading and possibly dangerous information..”(Warren2)
“Regained use of her legs and has began to reclaim her life where she can walk, run and even dance”(Stein)
“It’s a potent medium for socializing, it provides people with a way to express, explore and experiment with identity, vent their frustrations, reveal alter egos.
“The one thing that amazes me about Second Life is the way it empowers people”(Lester)
