Second Life is an online game (an online 3-D “virtual world”) where thousands of people connect and millions of real dollars are transacted. You create an “avatar” to represent yourself, then walk (or fly!) around the virtual world, exploring, learning, and meeting people. Part of what makes Second Life so important is simply that so many people are involved — currently 4.6 million. You can buy and sell land and other objects, using Linden dollars (the “pretend” money) which you buy with real dollars. Dell, IBM, Adidas, and Nissan have opened offices in Second Life, Reuters has opened a news bureau, and Sweden has opened an embassy. Several political candidates are campaigning there. Major companies give presentations and advertise in Second Life.

On a typical day, over $1.5 million real U.S. dollars are transacted in Second Life.

Some members of the Church see Second Life as one of the next frontiers for sharing the Gospel. There are 5.7 million total residents in Second Life—each one representing a real person. Over 1.3 million people roam the worlds of Second Life each month. There are probably hundreds or thousands of Church members who participate in Second Life.

There is a group of about 50 members who are coordinating their activities and often gather online. They have created groups for various LDS interests, with group leaders from Seattle, Salt Lake, Orem, Provo, Washington DC, England, and Denmark.

A handful of members bought an island, upon which they have built an LDS visitors’ center, Family History Center, chapel, and personal residences. There is also a replica of the Relief Society building, the Christus statue, and the Tabernacle. When you walk into the Tabernacle, the Saturday afternoon session of this past General Conference begins to play. You can read the Articles of Faith on the walls. Over 100 people a day wander through the buildings on a self-guided tour, complete with pictures, quotes, and other information about the Church. There are also links to Church Web sites and Church videos. There is at least one [real] person who has committed to baptism as a result of being introduced to the Church in Second Life.

The members recently built a replica of the BYU-Hawaii administration building and circle of flags, at the request of some people at the (real) BYU Hawaii for a presentation they gave to their directors. They’re even discussing a virtual classroom where students can earn (real) college credit by participating in Second Life classes.

The group has just purchased a second and third island, including a commercial business park. A few large multi-national corporations have even contacted one of the members asking him for help with their Second Life strategy, because they were impressed by the orderliness of the Mormon island.

GetReligion.org recently ran an article on churches in Second Life, mentioning that Mormons were among the varied communities that meet regularly in this virtual world.

Gartner predicts that within four years, 80% of active Internet users and Fortune 500 companies will have an avatar or presence in a virtual environment like Second Life.

Want to Learn More? Read the USA Today article on the basics of Second Life.