What is Second Life?
A virtual world is a computer-generated three-dimensional environment which one can experience visually and audibly by using a computer with an internet connection. Brought to you by Linden Lab, Second Life is a virtual world that imitates the real world in which we all live. It consists of regions of land, water and sky and is populated by avatars, which are virtual representations of Second Life members, or ‘residents’ as they are often called.

Basic Second Life membership is free and can be acquired simply by registering online by clicking here. Once registration is complete and the Second Life software is downloaded and installed, simply log in to bring your avatar to life and begin exploring the virtual world of Second Life.

Second Life is an international community of real people sitting at computers around the globe living virtual lives through avatars. It serves as a global social network providing a place where people can communicate and interact with one another. Without ever having to leave home, Second Life residents can explore a virtual world and meet new people with varied backgrounds, cultures, and interests.

Second Life is a world created and owned by its residents. In a world dedicated to the creativity of its population, anything is possible! Inside Second Life, avatars are surrounded by the creations of fellow residents; the majority of the world is built up by user-generated content. From flying cars to dance clubs, elaborate apparel to tropical beaches, avatars have the tools to build anything imaginable.

What do you do in Second Life?
Due to the varied interests among residents, Second Life is filled with endless opportunities. With just a click of a button, avatars can attend educational classes, sporting events, concerts, arts festivals, participate in discussions, play games, or go shopping. By engaging in this world and contributing to its society residents create and discover countless ways to exist and have fun in Second Life.

SOCIAL & LEISURE
There are those who enjoy the social aspect of Second Life and the opportunities for making new friends and creating new relationships with others. Some residents join clubs and organizations based on personal interests or hobbies, while others may form support groups similar to those in the real world. Residents looking to relax may participate in various leisurely activities such as a round of golf, the theatre, amusement parks, or dance clubs.

EDUCATION
Other residents seize the intellectual and educational opportunities also prevalent within Second Life. Nearly 100 real life universities from around the world have established a presence in Second Life offering avatars opportunities to gain a higher education. These institutions, as well as private individuals, have also formed intellectual discussion groups providing opportunities for residents to collectively engage in the dialogue and learn from one another. Click here for more information about educational opportunities in Second Life.

BUSINESS
Finally there are those who seek out the vast commercial opportunities existing in-world. Just as humans influence societies in the real world, the actions and interactions of avatars within Second Life determine the outcome of the society as a whole. This explains how an entire economy emerged based around Second Life’s in-world currency known as the Linden dollar. Second Life has a fully-integrated economy which, according to Linden Labs, works to reward risk, innovation and craftsmanship. Due to the intellectual property rights in-world, residents have the ability to run businesses or host charitable fundraisers and convert the profits into real money. The intellectual property rights in-world grant residents the rights to their digital creations, allowing them to buy, sell and trade with other residents. The fact that the Second Life economy supports millions of dollars in transactions each month shows there is both supply and demand for the goods and services residents create and provide.

Although it exists in a virtual space, this economy is very much so real; Linden dollars can be converted to real currency at any of the online Linden Dollar Exchanges. Like any economy, Second Life’s market fluctuates and the rate of exchange for the Linden Dollar often varies. Nevertheless, it is a real economy with opportunities for real people to make real money. Click here for information regarding Second Life’s economy.

Principal Investigators

Douglas Thomas
Associate Professor
USC Annenberg School for Communication

Project Staff

Tori Horton
Project Manager - Virtual Worlds Project
USC Center on Public Diplomacy

Anna Berthold
Technical Producer - Virtual Worlds Project
USC Center on Public Diplomacy

Shawna Kelly
Research Associate
USC Center on Public Diplomacy