A Second Try at "Life"?

While I am impressed with the technological innovation of Second Life, I also find it somewhat pathetic that people spend US dollars to live in a fake world. I am sure that the virtual universe is fun and easy to get caught up in; however, I think people should spend their time and energy forming relationships, starting businesses, or building things in the real world. The land, in US dollars is quite expensive for a simulation. Furthermore, a very very small percentage of users actually make a profit in US dollars. The ones who do profit only gain a couple hundred...the price of 6 plots of land! It is absurd! I am intrigued the the educational use of Second Life. It is a very convenient and innovative way for students across the world to receive an education. This is one of the few uses that justifies the ludicrous cost of participation in Second Life.

There are some great uses of Second Life such as art galleries, musical performance, and advertisement. However, I assume that many people on Second Life use the virtual reality as an escape from their real lives. It is a dangerous simulation that may suck in the socially dissatisfied and technologically adept. The visuals are quite fantastic and the possibilities are endless, but I am unsure if the average user takes advantage of the most profound purposes. Perhaps it is a generalization, but I tend to assume that anyone who willingly spends hundreds of dollars must lack satisfaction with their true reality. I think companies that are already established in the real world might find great success in indulging in Second Life, but a random person is just wasting money and time on efforts that won't lead to anything concrete. The development of people, places, things, and businesses in Second Life seem to be more of an escape then a true entrepreneurial endeavor.

Is it really worth a virtual trip to the dentist?