A few years ago, the rise of the virtual world Second Life become a popular trend among many people. Not being familiar with the game, I quickly became confused as to what all the hype was about. All I knew was it was a game rather similar to Sims.

After doing some research I found that it is a virtual world that allows you to control your uniquely designed individual and live a "second life." Many people have become extremely involved in this game and have a hard time determining the difference between it and reality. They have a disconnect from the real world and are happy to be in control of their virtual world.

Newsweek found one young man who spends 16 hours a day gaming, sleeps by his computer and than does it all over again the next day.This is when gaming becomes extremely dangerous. I also learned that  within this world one has the ability to get money. According to BusinessWeek, a young lady in 2007 reached one million dollars just by playing the game. She developed her fortune in a period of two and a half years and only invested the initial $9.00 to play the game.

Since I am not much of a gamer it is hard for me to relate to the addiction that some people get playing these games, but I do see it becoming a problem and ruining people's lives. Those who are lacking certain experiences in the real world, are easily infatuated with one where they aren't. Their lives are consumed by this fantasy world and there usually isn't much that anyone can do to fix it.

As a women who wants to have a family someday, I find it very important to teach your kids at a young age the importance of enjoying life and having friends. They need to be taught to play outside and interact with the real world rather than create a fantasy one and take the easy way out.

Second Life is not for me, but I seems to work well for many individuals.

Determination of Our People

Today marks a day in history, May 1, 2011. Osama Bin Laden is dead and the world responds. People take to the social media channels to share the news and report their feelings. Within minutes of the release of information, I knew that Bin Laden was dead and I didn't even have to turn on my TV.

Between CNN, Facebook and Twitter, this is what the American people had to say......

-"Osama bin Laden is dead, CNN John King's reported Sunday night, citing sources. Watch CNN for the latest"
-"Osama Bin Laden death >Adolf Hitler death "-Twitter
-"Dear Teacher, Unfortunately I will not be able to finish my paper on time due to my emotional state. Osama Bin Laden just died, and I am busy celebrating.. This could take time. Sincerely, Proud to be an American"-Facebook
-"Obama just won the election."-Twitter
-"Thank you for the courage of those who serve our country and the determination of our people." Facebook

As the  semester comes to an end, we have learned that the power of social media is continually growing and making a huge impact on our lives. This is one great example of how powerful social media is and how it is shaping our country and our opinions.

It is great to know that the determination of our country and the men and women in our military are willing to stop at nothing and remove this man of evil from our lives. As a women with family and friends in the military, I am proud of the fact that the families who have lost loved ones due to this war, can have closure and know that justice was been served.