How is Second Life a disruptive technology?
According to Dr. Thornburg, a disruptive technology is a new technology with the same functionality but more efficiently and obsoletes the existing technology. Second Life is a disruptive technology because it changes the way people socially interact with one another.
What technology or innovation did it displace?
I don’t think at this point in time Second Life displaces any technology or innovation. In the future, I think Second Life will displace the social media outlets and online gaming.
How many years do you think Second Life has left before another emerging technology or disruptive technology replaces it?
Honestly, I think Second Life will be around for a couple of years. I don’t believe that another technology or disruptive technology has emerged to replace Second Life.
What are the social benefits of Second Life, and what might be the social implications of virtual worlds in your industry?
I think Second Life would be beneficial for those people who are physically limited. Second Life would give them an outlet to express themselves because they are unable to do so now. Second Life can allow people to become their outer ego. It will allow people to explore areas that they would somewhat reluctant to explore in the real world.
In education, I think Second Life will allow students to interact socially with other students in a virtual environment. The downside to this would be the threat of predators. There would be a need to have safety precautions established.
Laureate Education, Inc. (2009). Emerging and future technology. Baltimore, MD: Author.
