The virtual world that has received the most attention, and may be the most advanced, is Second Life. Created in 2003 by San Francisco-based Linden Labs, this program offers people all over the world the opportunity to live another life online, interacting with other real human beings.

Second Life offers a world in which you can buy property and do whatever you want with it. You can create an “avatar”—a user’s virtual alter ego. You can start a business and sell goods and services to other online citizens, such as open a nightclub and throw parties with live musicians. If you are an artist, you can open an art studio and allow other avatars to visit, browse around and buy your artwork.