Second Life

Second Life is a 3D online virtual world where avatars do what people do in real life. If you are wondering what an avatar is, it is an electronic image that represents the computer user. The avatars (or Residents, as the users of Second Life are commonly referred to) buy and sell stuff, play games, watch movies, listen to music, flirt and even indulge in intimacy. Since opening to the public on June 23, 2003, this virtual world has grown increasingly and is now inhabited by millions of Residents. Once a Resident enters the virtual world, he will discover a vast digital continent full of people, entertainment and opportunities.

The Second Life world is constantly changing and growing since thousands of Residents join each day and new lands are created by Linden Lab, the creator of Second Life, to keep up with the demand. Second Life is often compared with computer games such as Sim City and Sims, and the massively multiplayer online role-playing game World of Warcraft. However, according to Linden Lab, Second Life is different from these games since it lacks a designed conflict, has no definite objectives and the content is entirely created by the users.

Second Life was honored at the 59th Annual Technology and Engineering Emmy Awards for advancing the development of online sites with user-generated content.