How is Second Life a disruptive technology?
Second Life is a disruptive technology because it creates a virtual world which allows individuals to create alternant virtual personalities. In this day in time humans are very social beings. Many people find this experience as a way to become someone they not feel comfortable with in the “real world”.
What technology or innovation did it displace?
Even though it has not done so yet, Second Life has the possibility to displace online dating sites or other social media.
How many years do you think Second Life has left before another emerging technology or disruptive technology replaces it?
In my opinion, I feel that it will be upwards of ten years before another technology replaces Second Life. I haven’t actually tried it myself; however I did watch a documentary program on TV in which people used it. From what I saw, this site has a huge following of extremely dedicated individuals.
What are the social benefits of Second Life, and what might be the social implications of virtual worlds in your industry?
One of the benefits for Second Life could be for people who may have severe social anxieties when in a crowd of “in-the-flesh” people. It could also be a welcome connection with the world for people who may have physical limitation that have confined them to their home. However, some people may become so infatuated with their “life” on the website that their actual life becomes nonexistent. Friends and jobs may be sacrificed if one becomes overly involved in Second Life.
