Its interesting to see how much SL has grown since 2003 to now hold 9 million users. With more and more users comes more creative ideas about what to use SL for and how people can apply this virtual world to benefit real life. It amazing that someone has made $1 million through SL in real money. On top of that people are looking to make a positive impact and SL gives them a platform to do so where they might not have otherwise. there are businesses and new buildings going up everyday and there are also companies like Reebok who are choosing to take advantage of SL as another way to reach consumers. With SL people are able to interact with people they would never get to meet in real life and through relationships like this people experience oppurtunities they would not eperinece otherwise. One such experience is the donate a tree fund that was started on an island in SL. The real life money that is used benefits realindigenous trees in the rain forest. This is just one example of creative and really beneficial ways people in SL are helping to positively affect real life. It amazing what a relatively small tool can do to affect the way people think and act. SL makes it easier for people to open up and dismisses an social restrictions that real life might implement.
Two Questions?
Can SL sustain enough peoples interest in helping worthy causes?
Is 80% of internet users a realistic number for people who will have avatars by 2012?
