Last night I attended a gathering of Graduate Students in Second Life.

This alone is one of the most simple and most powerful things about Second Life. Yes, this chat could have happened in ANY chat room application in the world. We did it all with only text and no audio this time. But, there is a whole other level to the experience when you do it in a 3D environment. You can’t argue that there isn’t.

The social aspect is the most important I think. It’s an area where people from around the world can gather for any reason that might pull people together. Last night a complete stranger was walking by and saw the gathering so he swung on over just to see what was up. He was welcomed in, grabbed a seat and engaged with the others. Real Life isn’t always that open to people just stumbling into gatherings.

Second Life is never going to replace real life. I’m sick of people talking about that. It’s enhancing it. Adding another level to the world of the ‘net where we are already meeting people and engaging with them in virtual space. This just makes the playground a lot more fun.