Sex In Second LifeSex in Second Life is a big enough business that Linden Lab has created a separate adult virtual world. Zindra opened in July 2009 especially for SL residents who prefer ‘adult’ content Officially, Linden Lab made the decision to separate the adult content from the mainland in order to maintain freedom of expression for its residents, but the decision may also have been influenced by increased focus on marketing Second Life to corporations for enterprise use. But no matter what the motive was behind the decision, sex in Second Life is still alive and well. Adult content rating
The ‘adult’ designation does not just apply to virtual sex in Second Life. It also applies to intense virtual violence and illegal drug use. Scenes that simulate death and torture are prohibited in the teen or mainland areas, whether they are photo-realistic or not. And any content that is considered to be ‘sexually themed’ belongs either in the adult region or in a private region that has been designated as ‘adult’ by its owner. Mature content rating Second Life allows content that may be considered suggestive or naughty, but not sexually explicit, to be located in public areas and hold a ‘mature’ designation. So it’s acceptable for avatars to wear bikinis on public beaches, skin tight costumes in dance clubs, feature ‘burlesque’ acts in night clubs and even sell sexy lingerie and accessories in Second Life marketplace boutiques. Teeny thong bikinis, low-cut cocktail dresses and latex-textured corsets can all be bought in the main shopping area of Second Life Marketplace. But genitalia for avatars, sex toys and pose balls that feature sexual activities are only offered in the ‘mature content’ section. Shopping for mature content Residents who are interested in shopping within the Second Life marketplace for items to enhance their ‘sex in Second Life’ activities must activate a separate section for mature content. To make sure that children do not accidentally click on the link and find themselves viewing erotica, Linden Lab has installed a two-step process that viewers must pass through. First, there is a pop-up that activates after clicking on the link that accesses the mature content area. Second, after choosing the ‘yes’ radio button, viewers must click on a statement attesting that they are at least 18 years old and viewing the adult content willingly. Of course, this process does not block kids who click on the ‘yes’ answers from entering the adult area of the shopping pages, so concerned parents will still have to perform their own oversight. Click Here to Leave Sex in Second Life and Return Home |
