Reservations regarding second life

It's an assignment for this course, which is the only reason I have decided to try it - but I must say I have reservations about second life. A very engaging concept, and I'm sure for many, entertaining activity. I am unconverted.

Several years ago, a guy I barely knew tried to convince me that second life was a glimpse into the future - it was what everyone would be doing, living vicariously through some invented incarnation of themselves. Eventually, we'd only communicate with one another via this interactive, fantasy-world.

I was unconvinced to say the least, but also deeply disturbed that he would be so enthusiastic about shedding his um, "first" life identity and re-creating himself as another persona for strangers who were, presumably doing the same thing. Eventually, doesn't the "real" you emerge regardless of the manufactured-nature of self on second life?

Second Life may provide substantive research for an engaging sociological study and/or entertainment in the form of an escapist activity, however I do not think it serves as a literal replacement for human, in-person inter-activity. We still need to buy groceries, and do tangible "first" life activities.

The thing I find most exciting about second life is the possibility for human interaction on a completely different plane. I am a theatre artist, and I actually think second life may provide a useful foundation for developing novel "live" interactions. I don't think cyber-performance will replace in-person, live performance, though I also don't think they need compete. There are ways in which these various levels of "live" can synergize and create dynamic new experiences.

I prefer to fully engage in this first life, though I can understand and appreciate the enthusiasm for the second one too.