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Living the Fake Life

A world of people are choosing to invest their time in Second Life over real

Description - Second Life, owned by Linden Labs, is a user-generated, interactive 3D world which inhabited by millions of global internet users. The game allows users to use an avatar they create to socialize with other avatars, purchase services, products and real estate with Second Life currencies.

Implications - Hundreds of international companies have used the Second Life platform for marketing, from putting up virtual billboards, to sending out virtual street teams, launching guerilla marketing campaigns and even setting up virtual versions of their real life stores. Real-life companies marketing to Second Life avatars can not only build brand awareness, but create a real following by interacting directly with consumers, and targeting specific markets based on interest.
Trend Themes
1. Virtual World Marketing - Virtual marketing creates a brand presence in the online world, and is an advertising opportunity that shouldn't be ignored by businesses.
2. Digital Avatar Brand Ambassadors - Fashion designers making their virtual debut set a trend in creating brand ambassadors, and opens up new opportunities to connect with consumers in a new realm.
3. Online Relationships - As urban-dwellers become increasingly busy, they find less and less time for social interaction. This creates opportunities for businesses to provide entertainment, relaxation, and some form of social interaction online.
Industry Implications
1. Marketing - The rise of virtual marketing creates a huge advertising niche, ripe for tapping into.
2. Fashion - Virtual fashion designers provide another outlet for promoting clothing lines, offer a unique shopping experience and access to a new audience.
3. Entertainment - Online relationships and virtual companions for entertainment purposes provide an avenue for businesses to connect with consumers and fulfill consumers' needs for relaxation and social interaction.
4.3
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
7 Featured
42,801 Total Clicks
Date Range:
Aug 07 — Dec 07
Trending:
Warm
Consumer Insight Topics:

Featured Examples

Cybersex Leads To Real Life Lawsuit
Cybersex Leads To Real Life Lawsuit
Second Life Hack Causes Controversy
Let’s start at the beginning: It seems Second Life avatars begin life with no 'nads, and if you want your online-self to be packing heat, you have to pay real dollars to some cartoon plastic surgeon… MORE
play_circle_filledSecond Life Inspires Google
Second Life Inspires Google
GoogleLife Virtual World
Google tries to stay ahead of the trends, leading with cutting edge technology -- and if someone beats them to it, they want to buy it for themselves. So where is the Google version of Second Life? Tech… MORE
play_circle_filledVirtual World Marketing
Virtual World Marketing
Toyota Scion Makes 4th Virtual Debut
Trend Hunter has mentioned real life marketing in virtual worlds before, particularly in Second Life. It's a huge advertising niche that is ripe for tapping into, and Toyota is right on top of it. The… MORE
SecondLife Halloween Costumes
SecondLife Halloween Costumes
Annie's Costumes
With Halloween right around the corner, Annie's Costumes offers avatars the finest in virtual Halloween costumes. Situated in the Second Life world, the costume boutique mimics the real thing, providing… MORE
Digital Designers In Second Life
Digital Designers In Second Life
Georgio Armani's Avatar
If you're addicted to avatars, and you love fashion, you probably already knew that Georgio Armani set up shop in Second Life. Trend Hunter has featured real life businesses marketing in the virtual realm… MORE
play_circle_filledThe AvaStar For Avatars
The AvaStar For Avatars
Second Life Gossip Mag
While Us Weekly and In Touch keep us on top of real life celebs like Paris Hilton, Britney Spears and Brangelina, The AvaStar keeps Second Life users posted on the lives of virtual stars. If gossip magazines… MORE
Virtual Companions
Virtual Companions
24% Say Second Life Is OK Sub
24% of Americans siad spending time on online relationships through avatars in Second Life is a satisfactory substitute for a significant other. Zogby and 463 Communications conducted the poll of over… MORE