In cyberspace we are given the chance to express ourselves, we can choose to be a different person to who we are in real life. Cyberspace gives us the power and freedom to do, be, write and act however we want without being judged.
It's like cyberspace has a whole new language. When we log on to MSN or social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter, we find ourselves making abbreviations of words and often using slang and emoticons. For example, :-D means a very happy face whilst :-O means a shocked face. Social acronyms are really popular in cyberspace and new expressions are constantly being thought of. The most common ones include: LOL, OMG, BRB and LMAO, which simply mean; laugh out loud, oh my gosh, be right back and laugh my ass off. I remember being in school and a friend of mine literally said "LOL" instead of laughing. I just found it really weird as the term is only ever used in cyberspace. However, nowadays many youths are bringing these expressions into the real world and using them in their everyday conversations with friends.
A number of sites allow you to create a virtual world, giving you the chance to design your own character. Like I said before, we are able try out new identities. When making an avatar, we can make it to resemble us or we can even design it to be the person we want to look like.
Virtual Worlds
> Second Life
Second Life is a free 3D virtual world where users (aged 16 and over) customise their own avatar then go on to socialise with others. Users are referred to as "residents" who can start their own business in the virtual world, or even buy property and play games with other residents as well as date them. PLAY Second Life
> Habbo Hotel
Habbo Hotel is another virtual world. Created for teens, this game is based around a virtual hotel. Users can create their own avatar, meet new people and also decorate their own hotel room. PLAY Habbo
Many people sometimes forget that cyberspace and real life are two different worlds. I once met this young girl who would constantly go on about this guy she is seeing. She would tell me how he lives in America and that he's coming over to live with her. BUT, what I didn't know is that she's actually never seen this guy in real life, he was someone she met in the virtual world of second life. Yes, these games are there to meet new people but in my opinion I find their whole relationship a bit strange. This is the problem with cyberspace, people tend to get too attached and sometimes you don' know what you're getting yourself into. So, be careful!
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