The document discusses virtual worlds and Second Life. It provides an overview of the history of virtual worlds, from early platforms in the 1990s to current platforms like Second Life. It describes some of the activities people engage in on Second Life, such as socializing, gaming, arts and culture, business and education. It also touches on some of the opportunities and challenges of virtual worlds, such as their use for civic engagement, adult entertainment, and concerns about safety and identity.

1. Tracy Kennedy PhD Candidate, Dept of Sociology University of Toronto Virtual Worlds Researcher October 24 th , 2007.

3. “ A virtual world is a computer-based simulated environment intended for its users to inhabit and interact via avatars.” (Wikipedia)

4. virtual reality

5. life before Second Life Worlds.com 1994 Active Worlds 1995

7. … and many more 1995 Cybertown VZones 1997 Moove 2000 Playdo TowerChat 2001 Cyworld Dubit Mokitown ViOS 2002 Sims Virtual Ibiza Coke Studios Muse 2003 Second Life There Entropia Universe 2004 Dreamville IMVU

9. if you could go anywhere, where would you go?

10. … what would you do?

11. … who would you be?

12. … or?

20. You build it, You own it -Intellectual property rights to your creations -Can Sell them for LL & USD -License creations in RL

21. creating landscapes

25. entertainment

26. arts & culture

29. http://www.kzero.co.uk/blog/?p=424

31. business from Second Life http://www.anshechung.com/

32. money maker?

35. news

37. magazines

38. blogs

42. modding the metaverse

45. blended realities

48. Web 3d The world isn’t flat… and neither is the web…

50. blended identities…. … here they are in 3D

52. adult entertainment

53. subcultures

56. post-Second Life

59. with thanks... Tracy Kennedy [email_address] www.netwomen.ca/Blog Professor Tracy