If you ever wished you could escape into another world, you needn't look any further than the Internet. Virtual worlds have become a tremendously popular online destination for millions of people. These online communities attract all ages and lifestyles to partake in alternate reality fantasies. Users choose avatars, or digital representations of themselves, such as cute, little penguins in Club Penguin or elves in World of Warcraft. They can do anything and everything including play games, operate businesses, wage digital wars, marry other avatars, ride bikes, and take vacations. Whatever the reason, children and adults are flocking to these virtual worlds and more are being created everyday.

While some users join virtual worlds to escape reality, some are bringing reality into the game, Second Life in particular. Recording artists like Jay-Z have had virtual concerts in Second Life; major
corporations have islands there in which they hold meetings and training for employees; there was even a Congressional hearing in Second Life. Not to be outdone, politically-conscious avatars in World of Warcraft held a virtual march in support of Ron Paul, presidential candidate.

Virtual worlds aimed at the younger set are particularly popular, such as Teen Second Life. Remind younger users to check first with their parents or guardian before providing personal information when signing up for virtual worlds; to choose age-appropriate, non-revealing screennames and avatars; and to frequently change passwords to protect against theft and impersonation. In the meantime, sign on and check them out for yourself. You might just end up moving in.