Law & Order: SVU aired their second episode of the season, titled Avatars, last night. The premise was a girl being kidnapped from her home, and through investigating, they discover that she is portraying a 14 year old girl in a virtual world called "Another YOUniverse". There are many similarities between this platform and Second Life.We are given a tour of the world by a woman with the avatar name of Tawny Coppercuffs. She shows an avatar profile that has transaction history, images, video clips, and pictures of friends. It's something I actually wouldn't mind seeing implemented in Second Life itself. She is friends with the woman that disappeared and knows her by Vixy Platinum. They use AY to explore their sexual fantasies and charge money for their services. It is then revealed that Vixy is an ageplayer that has a large number of clients.
In the next scene, the detectives are explaining the virtual world to their boss. You can buy anything, including virtual real estate, food, and clothing. Just like in the real world. You pay for it in virtual cash, which can be exchanged for real money. At that point, it is time for them to get answers from Eric Winton, the creator of AY. Is it me, or does he look similar to Philip Rosedale, creator of Second Life, in hairstyle and manner of dress?
I won't spoil the ending for you, but I really feel that it portrays virtual worlds in a negative light. Those uninitiated will think that they are only about sex and roleplaying fantasies. While those are a large part of Second Life, we as residents know that there is so much more out there to be done. Did you see the episode? What were your thoughts on it?












1. > Law & Order SVU portrays their fake Second Life as sex playground
And they're somehow wrong? Just be glad they didn't stumble upon your furry animal sex cesspits.
Posted at 3:04PM on Oct 3rd 2007 by Sn4x15