Second Life or Second Chance

Second Life is an online virtual world that allows users to create, interact, and explore their own made up reality. Users can create an entire new identity online, similar to the game The Sims. To me this is a much different form of social media then the ones we have been discussing in class. Second Life is very similar to The Sims game however, if people chose to use this game as an escape from there real life there is a problem. Social media has been used in many positive aspects but is there a point when it can go too far???? I believe there are some negative aspects to this form of social media. If people begin to spend more time managing their "Second life" then they do managing their real life, this social media tool could be harmful. In a way, Second Life is providing users with a counter fit reality, almost brainwashing its users. I feel as if this is a way people can create a new life if they don't like the one there a currently living. Maybe people are looking for a way to start over and Second Life gives them that option, or maybe even a second chance. This whole idea is a bit scary to me. Of course, there is nothing wrong with playing a simple game on the computer, but when people are using this to escape their life's, its wrong.

It is always easy to criticise a social media that you are not familiar with but after researching Second Life there are in fact some positive aspects as well.The virtual technology of this game could be educational. The grid system and land ownership is very mathematical. The various land types, parcel sizes, and max prims could prepare users for real life application of buying vs. selling land. As well as other life lessons that can be acquired in this "game." This form of social media could possible be a fun experience as long as Second Chance is being used and an innocent form of media, and not in search for a second chance in life.