Viral VIdeos Extra Credit

In reference to Second Life, Burgess’ discussion of viral videos can be connected through the idea of group participation—to culturally participate in terms of promoting communication rather than simply for entertainment or commercial gain. Rather, the idea of being able to share and communicate amongst the masses is something that both Second Life and Viral Videos seem to share the purpose of expressing/communicating via a particular medium. Second Life is a means for individuals to live out or act out their interests and opinions in a virtual environment. Second Life becomes a forum of discussion, in essence, a Public Sphere in which ideas and opinions can develop. Thus, the innate need for humans to culturally participate is something that both drives the creation of viral videos, and communities like Second Life.