Task Four

As stated by Wikipedia, Second Life is an internet-based virtual world. Launched in 2003, users, also known as “Residents”, interact with each other through motional avatars, providing an advanced level of a social network service. In support of Wikipedia’s statement; the various media characteristics contribute to making Second Life a highly interactive program for users.

The first media characteristic of Second Life is based on research conducted by Kiesler, Siegel, and McGuire (1984). Numerous amounts of people, with different backgrounds come together to interact through Second Life. Diversified users allow for a variety of ways of communication using the program. Kiesler, et al. (1984), stated, “The lack of social feedback and unpredictable style of messages might make it difficult to coordinate and comprehend messages” (1126). As the “residents” begin to communicate with each other, the chance of miscommunication is greater, due to these differences.

Approaching the second media characteristic of Second Life applies to Fulk, Steinfield, Schmitz, & Powers’ (1987) statement, defined as the social information processing theory. The social information processing theory expresses that users’ perceptions of communication is based on attitudes, statements, and behaviors of others involved (Fulk, et al., 1987, 537). When an individual enters this virtual world, they have the ability to walk around and be a part of conversations around them, without having to get involved in the conversation. This allows the individuals who are new to Second Life to observe the communication techniques of others’. Additionally, this allows for gaining knowledge of the “social norms” involved.

Second life can be directly compared with another Web 2.0 communication technology - Facebook. Facebook and Second Life require its users to create a username, password and valid e-mail address – to participate. These programs truly expand the ability to communicate with a variety of people, but hold major differences in comparing.

Second Life allows users to remain anonymous. Your personal avatar can be modeled to resemble you, but does not require an actual photo for others to view.

Facebook allow users to post personal pictures for others to view – whereas Second Life does not. This is the largest difference in comparing the two programs.

Second Life allows you to have an altered life with discretion, where as Facebook allows you to display personal information and photos. Experienced users will say this can be an advantage and disadvantage at the same time. Using Facebook is a fun experience. It allows you to get to know others by viewing photos and personal information. This alleviates some of the “unknown”. Although fun, a major disadvantage Facebook carries is the ability to post personal information which strikes security concerns. Users abusing Facebook and using personal information as a way to interact with others in a negative way can be dangerous.

Second Life is a place to interact without having to give out too much information. It allows users to communicate within a fictionalized character. As with any internet-based program, Second Life carries its advantages and disadvantages. On a positive note, Second Life allows its members to communicate. A disadvantage – being the characters are fictionalized; the avatar may or may not represent a real person which can be compared to other internet-based programs like AOL Instant Messenger. Users can fabricate their appearance and personal information. One way to alleviate the fictionalized nature of Second Life could be to share personal information to a certain extent. Like many internet-based programs, Facebook and Second Life can be deceiving. The information being exchanged is not always valid. Interacters using these technologies must be aware of the information being exchanged, and the realness of it.