Task 4

Unlike other Web 2.0 technologies Second Life has incorporated a variety of both rich and lean media qualitiesSecond life is richer then a blogging application or messages via a myspace"esque" social networking page. The communication is not just asynchronous. Messages are sent and received in a variety of ways. With the addition of the head phone application, Second Life becomes a very rich Web 2.0 technology. Combining messaging, dialogue, nonverbal communication and sound almost every aspect of communication is in a way referenced.

With this in mind, it is important to note the convenience of some of the applications on Second Life when a more 'lean' medium is preferred. The note cards avatars receive upon entering certain locations allows for a way to give quick information, sometimes full of facts and figures. It is an effective means of delivering a message, without expanding unless the receiver of said message chooses to.Creating an avatar, the participants identity, allows members of Second Life to control what kind of verbal and nonverbal messages they are potentially sending out. Much like in face to face interaction, a richer medium, humans tend to monitor and control the appearance and impression given. Someone attempting to make a professional impression would not show up in 'party clothes' with a beer bottle in hand. To a certain extent this same concept can be seen in Second Life. Although it is important to keep in mind, there is an element of playfulness in creating an avatar. Regardless, the sender of any messenger has more control over what overall impression will be given, therefore making Second Life a richer medium.

Second Life is a virtual network in many ways similar to the social network Facebook. An identity is created on both applications that aids in virtual communication. On Facebook profile pictures and 'about me' sections help to give anyone online a 'virtual snapshot' of what the personality behind the profile is like. The same can be said of Second Life in that the name and physical appearance of your Avatar is your identity and personality you create for the world to see. While both have pro's and con's it seems easier to control or conceal parts of a users personality on Second Life.

While Facebook has messaging applications and the ability to post things on a profile for all to see, it lacks the 'immediate response' component that Second Life features. Long term, it would be much easier to network and build relationships on Second Life versus Facebook. True friendships could be built in Second Life, and with the headphone application you could even enjoy "virtual dates" (professional, social or relational). Social networks like MySpace and Facebook can only build relationships to a certain extent before another means of communication must be incorporated to increase richness in communication. (phone calls, instant messaging ect)

A Virtual World features many pros when it comes to building relationships online. Other Web 2.0 applications are excellent additions to existing communication mediums, or "ice breakers" but it seems Second Life is one of the only 2.0 applications completely capable of building strong and lasting interpersonal relationships based solely on the application.