This document discusses how various youth organizations in Finland have utilized online gaming communities and virtual worlds to engage with youth. It provides examples of "brand parasites" - online services operated by these organizations within existing gaming platforms like Habbo. These include Netari (a virtual youth center), Hubu (an anti-drug bus), and Varjomaailma (a site for youth with alcoholic parents). It finds that these services have been successful at reaching significant numbers of youth users and providing prevention/support programs in a fun, gaming-style format.

1. Brand parasites and gaming lifestyle [email_address] June 2008

4. Attitude towards the web are often very biased Some actors are willing to utilize existing services or create their own ones. The other extrimity tries to restrain or limit the use of the net because there are potentially harmful material online. Such persons don’t understand that web is already crucial part of being young and growing up. Denial or limitations do not do the trick.

7. Stories of brand parasites and the utilization of gaming lifestyle

8. Youth department (city of Helsinki)

11. Save the Children Finland

14. Life tastes better without drugs (EOPH ry)

17. A-clinic foundation

20. Mannerheim league for child welfare (MLL)