When I initially started using the Second Life program, I honestly thought it was a bit freaky.  The avatar that I had chosen was a bit creepy looking–it was a girl with pale skin, dark hair, gothic clothes, and freaky makeup.  After exploring the site a bit more, I actually found out that I was a vampire, and that there were other options that one could pick their identity.  I ultimately chose a “human” avatar, and when I clicked on the girl that I wanted to portray who I was in this animated world, she transformed into the person that I wanted her to be.  The transformation too, was a bit interesting as she all of a sudden the avatar became a different person and then became naked, was stripped of her clothing, and then new clothing, a new face, and new hair appeared as quickly as I pushed the button for her transformation.

The Second Life program reminds me similarly to that of the Sims.  The avatars can interact with each other, can enter different worlds, and different settings.  Some of the teleportation settings include categories such as “What’s Hot Now,” “Editor’s Picks,” “International,” and “Newcomer.”  I explored some of these worlds, teleporting from one setting to the other.  The program suggested that I chat and talk with some people (other users in the program,) and it was interesting to chat with other avatars around me.

The settings and the program itself is very life-like and real.  It is definitely animated, but the way the program is set up makes everything seem as life-like as possible.  For example, when my avatar runs, her hair sways as if a real person’s hair would sway when they run.  Moreover, the avatar is like a human being in that it can change clothes, walk, run, talk to other people, interact, etc.  What this avatar can do that humans cannot do though, is fly.  (But I still think that’s pretty cool!)

All in all, I initially thought this was kind of a freaky program.  The avatars were a bit freaky, the worlds too were a bit weird, but after exploring it a bit more, it got more interesting and fun.  I can’t wait to interact with my classmates and see their avatars, what their identity on Second Life is, and see what else Second Life has to offer for me and my avatar!