Second Life Groups

Second Life groups are online social communities where Second Lifers can meet, support each other, and have fun. Each Second Life group allows members to interact with others who share their passions and concerns.

The Virtual Community

With email, IM-ing (instant messaging), chat rooms, and forums the internet has become a hotbed of social activity. Online sites allow users to meet, discuss issues, and even date all with the click of a mouse.

Most online communities limit communication between users to chatting. Second Life has taken a major virtual step forward and allows members to interact in a complete virtual environment. If you can do it in real life, chances are it can be done in Second Life.

Group Communication

To become active in Second Life groups you will need to have an online representative called an avatar. During the signing up for a Second Life membership you will have to choose the starting look for your avatar.

Once you have chosen your avatar you can enter Second Life and begin to explore. You will immediately meet others and have the chance to intermingle. Social conversations will involve manipulating your avatar through the virtual world. You can meet other members walking down a street, in a museum, at a bar, at the beach, in a university, in a mall and in many other venues on the site.

Finding Groups

Users can use the search feature to find Second Life groups. There are literally hundreds of groups on the site covering topics such as current affairs, businesses, relationships, alternative lifestyles, arts, events, fashion, tourism, activities, hobbies, organizations and more.

To join a group you must first send an IM to the group’s coordinator or owner. He or she will respond to your request and may ask you to tell the group in a few words why you want to become a member. Other groups are more public and open to anyone for enrollment (for free or paying a small fee).

Once you have joined a Second Life group it is up to you to be a responsible member. Familiarize yourself with Second Life rules and any specific rules the group has. You may find that certain types of conversation are banned for some groups – some groups may be ‘PG’ while others are rated ‘R’.

Do not join a group unless you have a real passion for the topic. Second Life groups are looking for active members who can support each other. For example, war veterans have formed support groups in Second Life. These groups have joined together to help members adjust to re-entering society and to support members dealing with physical and emotional issues.

Other groups have a less serious agenda but still require that members be active. There are many singles groups where members can meet in a safe environment. Avatars can go out for coffee, take a walk, or go on a date.

Educational groups are also popular on the site. Entire Second Life islands are committed to education and groups have been created by students for study and by educational professions for networking.

You can also create your own group about any topic you wish. The cost of creating a group is 100 Linden dollars and it can be easily done using the group’s folder of the “search” option on the Second Life Viewer Interface. The general info of a group will include: Name, founder, charter, insignia, owners & visible members and preferences.

Virtual reality experts urge you to spend time in world before joining one specific group. The sheer number of Second Life groups can be intimidating but the maximum number of groups you can join in Second Life is limited to 25. Search for groups that share your interests and ask to attend a meeting. This is a great way to see if you fit into the group before making a commitment. Join the groups of your interest and start enhancing your second life relationships.