The Second Life

Call me technologically challenged, but I just learned of the creepiest thing EVER. It's called Second Life, and it's an entire virtual world. Nearly 2 million U.S. dollars are spent there each 24 hours (though you have to buy "Linden Dollars" to spend, then convert them back). Over 7 million people have Second Life avatars. People buy and sell virtual land (for real money), they have jog-a-thons, people go clubbing, they have jobs, you name it. So instead of doing this stuff in the "real world," people sit in front of their computers and pretend to do all of this. Now, non-profit organizations have started raising money in Second Life, and legitimate foundations fund this sort of virtual-philanthropy (NYT). My job is considering opening an office in Second Life. Creepy, huh?