Summer around the globe has been challenging for most of us. It’s unusually hot or colder than expected. Flooding, drought, increased numbers and scope of wildfires, and taking time to spend an afternoon with friends is always welcome. No matter where you are virtual worlds offers chances for connection and fun.
August was a great time to host a party in partnership with our friends at the Virtual Worlds Education Consortium, Nonprofit Commons, and Etopia. On the 9th we hosted a beach party complete with sand, umbrella drinks, and the amazing Toriara Fairelander as DJ. Thanks to Zinnia Zauber our color palette was yellow … all shades of yellow; corn, sunshine, daffodil, gold, butter, lemon, peach, canary, straw, mustard, and more.
Val and Elli of VWEC worked with Nellie, coordinator of the annual MoodleMoot Virtual Conference and an educator focused on blended online learning, to stream the party in Second Life via Zoom and YouTube. Be sure to watch the video on YouTube if you’re interested in the party and learning more about socializing in SL.
To learn more, here’s the YouTube conference playlist for the past 15 years. It’s filled with lots of interesting presentations and lots to learn.
Why is socializing in virtual worlds valuable?
Because we’re less connected than ever before and this is a great 
way to engage, meet new people, and have fun. I love meeting people from around the world and sharing ideas, projects, jokes, and friendship. Perhaps, like myself, mobility issues may mean that you don’t move as well as you use to. In SL I get to dance like a pro. You can even dance at home in your kitchen or in your most comfortable chair. Regardless of how you move we know moving is great for getting oxygen to the brain, strengthening our heart, improving breathing, and boost your mood.
The thing I like best about parties in Second Life is that I can manage the stimuli. I’m not at the mercy of the musician or club owner when it comes to lights, sounds, smells, etc. That means I can wear my comfy clothes, listen to the music at a level that won’t leave me with shattered eardrums, and chat with friends without screaming at one another. I can even mute it all and still have a great time. Second Life is filled with clubs, concert halls, and parties like the events we host at Etopia.
Second Life is also filled with a variety of other activities you might enjoy; balloon rides, horseback riding, motorcycle racing, deep sea diving, amusement parks, book clubs, shopping events, scavenger hunts, and lots more. Start your exploration by discovering more about BEST in Second Life.
