Virtual Worlds & Second LifeMKTG 6226

Prepared By: Alison Hoy @AHoy09

Virtual Worlds

• Based on postmodernist concept of hyperrealities“The idea that reality is constructed, and

therefore it is possible to construct things that are more real than real” – Venkatesh et al.

• Existing virtual worlds include:

Second Life

• Founded by Linden Labs in 2003

• Over 20 million registered residents, 800,000 actively used

• Users can construct alternative identities & environments

• $1 USD = Approx L$265

Virtual Worlds vs. Other Social Media

1. Interact with users in real-time2. Create fully customized virtual self-presentations

in avatars3. Worlds are 3-D versus 2-D

Corporate Opportunities

• Advertising & communications

• Selling virtual products• Market research• Human resources• Internal process

management

5Cs of Success in Virtual Worlds

• Catch traffic• Compensate presence• Consider Innovativeness• Creating a learning environment• Care about avatars

Second Life Campaigns

Failure:

Second Life Campaigns

Success:

Questions?