Initial layout

Introduction

Why is second life and virtual worlds so significant in the world today? Is this the begining of a new era? What are the benefits of an online world both socially and economically? What will be the future of SL? Will it still be viewed as a game in ten years time or will it play an intergral part in the way we live, communicate and earn a living?

Chapter 1: What is a virtual world?

What is virtual worlds and cyber community? - This section will deal with theories and literature reviews regarding the area of online worlds, metaverse, virtual and cyber-communities.

Chapter 2: SL: A new economy?

Looks deep into Second life as a new frontier for business and economic activity. I will look at the money making aspects of SL, the monopoly being created, and other issues regarding the future of virtual environments as a mean of income.

Chapter 3: Innovative benfits of SL

Art/Cultural Activity will be discussed in this section. Here I will explore the virtual world first hand, giving a detailed account of what I see and do. I will raise my predictions about the fascinating future of virtual worlds and the creative and technical advantages of such an environment. In this section I will also touch on the idea of Second Life being of benefit for educational purposes. The idea of virtual learning environments is a rapidly growing phenomen and I will explain how this may or may not be the future for learning in society.

Chapter 4: Social fun or

Will look at the social interaction of the game. The benefits of having a 'second life' where no matter what you're like in real life you can begin again as an avatar. With this discussion I will also draw on the more darker sides of online worlds like sex,addiction,gambling,underage users, and how the virtual world can be dangerous for the individual as it creates a option

Conclusion and findings

This area will link all four chapters are deal with the debate surrounding SL and virtual worlds. Are they just games or are we incabaple of seeing the potential and the obvious signs that our second life is just as important as our first life? Is second life a growing reality? Has the line been blurred over reality and computer animated worlds? Is the future Second Life?