Continuing my adventures from the previous post, I read a study that looks at the Unintended Outcomes of Second Life, written by William C. Diehl and Esther Prins. Both authors have backgrounds in researching the social impacts of online events. The study focuses on the surprising trends that appeared in second life in terms of intercultural Literacy and cultural Identity. Due to the diversity that exists in the user base of Second Life, users are often experience other cultures and languages, which as the added benefit of making them learn about those other things. People can learn new languages and ideas that are common in foreign countries without ever having to leave their homes. Classes are even offered in certain player area, both free and on payment basis. This sharing of knowledge gives Second Life immense potential as a learning tool for people who are unable to travel in real life.

I find this development interesting, but not altogether quite as exciting as the authors seem to feel it is. I think it is good that people experience other cultures and learn new languages, but I also feel that having those experience in a purely online form lacks the personal depth that is so important for well-rounded social development. There is only so much real development that can take place online. The learning environment is a definite plus over most online games, but still lacks the real connections of real life. I feel that Second Life is a good start toward cultural literacy, but still is not as great as the researches seem to think it is.