Journalism in second life

Abstract

Our research seeks to understand the emerging journalism practiced in Second Life-a computer- generated alternative reality. Framed by postmodernism, this study uses an ideological analysis to evaluate the three Second Life newspapers: the Alphaville Herald, the Metaverse Messenger and the Second Life Newspaper. We suggest that journalism in Second Life focuses on community building and education, considers the influence of the on-line world to resident members' off-line lives and raises important questions about freedom of expression. © 2010 Taylor & Francis.