I’ve decided that I just don’t have enough time on my
hands. I don’t seem to have time for
watching TV, reading a novel just for enjoyment, shopping excursions, travel,
or online gaming. I look at how
experienced my 25 year old son is at online gaming with his friends, and I realize
I am almost on a totally different planet in that regard. Speaking of a different planet, how about a
different world? More specifically, an
online virtual world called “Second Life”,
which is what I would need in order to be able to squeeze this program into my
current life.
According to Wikipedia, Second
Life was developed by Linden Lab in 2003, but by 2013 had around 1 million
users. Second Life is similar to online role playing games, but Linden Lab
insists that their online virtual world is NOT a game. There are no objectives and there is nothing
to win. It is designed and focused on
interaction between multiple users.
Residents can create a virtual representative of themselves called avatars
that can interact with other avatars, other places and other objects. There are a number of different things you
can do with this platform, such as: meet
others, socialize, go to activities, build things, create, shop, trade
property, and services with each other.
It features 3D-based user-generated content, has its own virtual
currency which is exchangeable with real world currency. The software has a three-dimensional modeling
tool that allows users to build objects.
Another interesting feature is that users can also photograph in Second Life using camera
technology. As amazing and intriguing as
this platform sounds, it is just a huge reminder to me, that it would take a
lot of time to enjoy and use this program.
Time I just don’t have.
On another note—something that I can make time to use because
it IS very time friendly and time efficient is the application called Skype.
Another program that was ironically released in 2003, this platform
can connect you with people all over the world; by voice using a microphone, by
video using a webcam, and with instant messaging. Skype can be very convenient for conference
calls, for visiting with someone across the United States, or across the
world. My office has done many Skype
interviews with candidates not geographically close enough to come for a
personal visit. I have personally used
Skype to communicate with my sons who served missions in foreign
countries. It is a tool that allows
communication on a more personal level through face-to-face viewing. Skype
founders were from Sweden and Denmark. (Maybe
they got tired of trying to communicate with each concerning their inventions
and invented Skype just so they could communicate? OK—probably not). With all of the new technology that continues
to come out, it makes me wonder, “what’s next”? What will be the next new invention that
will change our lives significantly?
Sources:
Andrew Williams - I like how you highlighted "second life". I did a research paper on it back in California - I as well am 25 years old and can relate to the difference in gaming habits between generations. I also liked how you brought up Skype and its Distance Communication capabilities. I use Skype everyday to voice chat with old friends. overall - Great article!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your blog overall, I didn't know anything about Second Life until I read this. It sounds very interesting overall, but I have to agree with you it is something that I just don't have time for either! It's interesting to see how our lives get busier and busier we have to learn which social media sites are simply a waste of our time - that is, if any of them are worth our time in the first place. Great blog!
ReplyDeleteSherri,
ReplyDeleteI loved your blog post. I liked how you explained Second Life. The only time I've ever heard of the platform was on an episode of The Office so I found your research on it very interesting.