Social Virtual Worlds
Bubble
Experiential
Social virtual worlds are immersive online platforms where users embody avatars to socialize, host events, and participate in virtual e...Show more
Social Virtual Worlds
Bubble
Experiential
Social virtual worlds are immersive online platforms where users embody avatars to socialize, host events, and participate in virtual economies, fostering unique cultures independent of traditional gaming objectives.
Statistics
Estimated Global Reach
1.3M
Popularity
Medium
Regional Hotspot
Worldwide
General Q&A
Social virtual worlds are shared, immersive digital spaces where people use customizable avatars to interact, create, and socialize in persistent online environments.
Community Q&A
Social virtual worlds are shared, immersive digital spaces where people use customizable avatars to interact, create, and socialize in persistent online environments.
Communities form through in-world groups, events, shared spaces, and collaborative projects, often using insider lingo and rituals like group photos or virtual weddings.
Community Q&A
Summary
Key Findings
Avatar Identity
Identity MarkersMembers use avatars as experiential identities, blending real traits with exaggerations, creating a distinct digital self that shapes social interactions and status within the world.
Content Rituals
Community DynamicsCommunity rituals like virtual weddings and group builds serve as cultural glue, transforming digital acts into meaningful social ceremonies unique to this bubble.
Economy Politics
Hidden InfluencesDebates around virtual property rights and currency reflect insider tensions about ownership, creativity, and control that outsiders rarely grasp.
Linguistic Codes
Communication PatternsSpecialized terms like 'TP', 'rezzing', and 'sim hopping' form an insider language that simultaneously facilitates navigation and solidifies group boundaries.
Sub Groups
VRChat Enthusiasts
Communities focused on VRChat, one of the largest social virtual worlds, sharing events, avatars, and custom worlds.
Second Life Residents
Long-standing community centered on Second Life, with its own economy, events, and creative culture.
Rec Room Players
Groups dedicated to Rec Room, organizing in-world games, meetups, and creative projects.
OpenSim/Grid Users
Communities around open-source and independent virtual world grids, often with a technical or creative focus.
Virtual World Creators/Builders
Subgroups focused on designing, scripting, and building content within social virtual worlds.
Statistics and Demographics
Platform Distribution
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Discord
35%Discord hosts vibrant, always-on communities for social virtual world users, supporting real-time voice, text, and event coordination.
Reddit
20%Reddit features active subreddits dedicated to social virtual worlds, facilitating discussion, sharing, and community support.
Niche Forums
10%Independent forums provide deep-dive discussions, technical support, and long-term community archives for specific virtual worlds.
Discussion Forumsonline
Gender & Age Distribution
Ideological & Social Divides
Community Development
Discover Similar Bubbles
Insider Knowledge
Terminology
Greeting Salutations
Example Conversation
Insider
Hey, TP ready?
Outsider
Huh? What do you mean by TP?
Insider
It means teleport, like getting ready to jump to another sim or location in-world.
Outsider
Oh, got it! Sounds like setting off on an adventure.
Cultural Context
Common greeting among users inviting others to move together quickly between virtual places.
Inside Jokes
'Lag is just virtual nostalgia.'
'Lag' refers to delays in response time due to internet speed or processing; calling it 'virtual nostalgia' humorously implies it's a longstanding, almost beloved quirk of these worlds.
'Rez it or regret it.'
A play on the term 'rezzing,' it humorously warns newcomers to properly 'rez' objects or avatars or face social repercussions or glitches.
Facts & Sayings
„TP“
Short for 'teleport,' it means instantly moving your avatar from one location in the virtual world to another.
„Rezzing“
The process of an object or avatar appearing or being created within the virtual environment.
„Sim hopping“
Moving between different virtual land areas (simulators) to explore or attend various events.
„Noob“
A newcomer or inexperienced user, often used affectionately or jokingly inside the community.
„AFK“
Stands for 'Away From Keyboard,' indicating that a user is temporarily inactive or not at their computer.
Unwritten Rules
Always ask before taking screenshots of others.
Respecting privacy preserves trust and prevents conflicts, as avatars represent personal identity and community presence.
Don't 'camp' or monopolize popular spots for long periods.
Sharing space keeps events lively and inclusive, avoiding alienation of other users who want to participate.
Use local chat for conversations relevant to your immediate location.
Proper chat use avoids overwhelming others and keeps communication contextually appropriate.
Be cautious about gifting or trading virtual items to new users.
While generous, exchanging valuable content improperly can lead to scams or misunderstandings, so trust-building is important.
Fictional Portraits
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Maya, 28
Graphic DesignerfemaleMaya found social virtual worlds as a creative outlet to experiment with avatar design and connect with like-minded artists worldwide.
CreativityAuthenticityCommunity Support
Motivations
- Express creativity through avatar and space customization
- Build meaningful friendships beyond geographical limits
- Participate in virtual cultural events and art showcases
Challenges
- Overwhelmed by rapidly evolving virtual platforms and economies
- Difficulty balancing time between real life and immersive virtual engagement
- Navigating occasional toxic interactions or cliques
Platforms
Discord serversIn-world event forumsInstagram art communities
avatar skinsvirtual real estatein-world scripting
Insights & Background
Historical Timeline
Main Subjects
Commercial Services
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Commercial Services
First Steps & Resources
Get-Started Steps
Time to basics: 2-3 weeks
1
Choose a Virtual World
2-3 hoursBasic
Summary: Research and select a social virtual world that matches your interests and device capabilities.
Details: Begin by exploring the landscape of social virtual worlds—platforms designed for interaction, creativity, and community rather than competitive gaming. Consider factors like device compatibility (PC, VR headset, mobile), community size, moderation policies, and the types of social activities offered (e.g., events, creative building, roleplay). Read community forums and watch introductory videos to get a sense of each world’s culture. Avoid the common pitfall of picking a platform solely based on popularity; instead, focus on where you feel you’d fit in and what your device can handle. This step is crucial, as each world has its own norms and technical requirements. Evaluate your progress by narrowing your choices to one or two platforms and understanding their basic features.
2
Create and Customize Avatar
1-2 hoursBasic
Summary: Register an account and design your avatar, learning the basics of movement and interaction.
Details: After selecting a platform, sign up and go through the avatar creation process. Take time to explore customization options—appearance, clothing, accessories—since avatars are central to identity in virtual worlds. Learn basic controls: moving, communicating, and interacting with objects or other avatars. Beginners often rush this step, but thoughtful customization helps you feel more connected and accepted in the community. Experiment with different looks and practice using gestures or emotes. This step is important for both technical familiarity and social integration. You’ll know you’re ready when you can confidently navigate, communicate, and feel comfortable with your avatar’s presentation.
3
Attend a Community Event
2-3 hours (including event)Intermediate
Summary: Find and participate in a scheduled social event, such as a meetup, concert, or discussion group.
Details: Most social virtual worlds host regular events—concerts, parties, workshops, or themed meetups. Use the platform’s event calendar or community boards to find a beginner-friendly gathering. Attending an event is a key step: it exposes you to the social dynamics, etiquette, and creative possibilities of the world. Don’t be discouraged if you feel awkward at first; many newcomers are shy, and regulars are often welcoming. Observe how others interact, introduce yourself, and try participating in group activities. Overcome nerves by preparing a simple greeting or question. Progress is measured by your comfort level in group settings and your ability to follow or contribute to conversations.
1
Choose a Virtual World
2-3 hoursBasic
Summary: Research and select a social virtual world that matches your interests and device capabilities.
Details: Begin by exploring the landscape of social virtual worlds—platforms designed for interaction, creativity, and community rather than competitive gaming. Consider factors like device compatibility (PC, VR headset, mobile), community size, moderation policies, and the types of social activities offered (e.g., events, creative building, roleplay). Read community forums and watch introductory videos to get a sense of each world’s culture. Avoid the common pitfall of picking a platform solely based on popularity; instead, focus on where you feel you’d fit in and what your device can handle. This step is crucial, as each world has its own norms and technical requirements. Evaluate your progress by narrowing your choices to one or two platforms and understanding their basic features.
2
Create and Customize Avatar
1-2 hoursBasic
Summary: Register an account and design your avatar, learning the basics of movement and interaction.
Details: After selecting a platform, sign up and go through the avatar creation process. Take time to explore customization options—appearance, clothing, accessories—since avatars are central to identity in virtual worlds. Learn basic controls: moving, communicating, and interacting with objects or other avatars. Beginners often rush this step, but thoughtful customization helps you feel more connected and accepted in the community. Experiment with different looks and practice using gestures or emotes. This step is important for both technical familiarity and social integration. You’ll know you’re ready when you can confidently navigate, communicate, and feel comfortable with your avatar’s presentation.
3
Attend a Community Event
2-3 hours (including event)Intermediate
Summary: Find and participate in a scheduled social event, such as a meetup, concert, or discussion group.
Details: Most social virtual worlds host regular events—concerts, parties, workshops, or themed meetups. Use the platform’s event calendar or community boards to find a beginner-friendly gathering. Attending an event is a key step: it exposes you to the social dynamics, etiquette, and creative possibilities of the world. Don’t be discouraged if you feel awkward at first; many newcomers are shy, and regulars are often welcoming. Observe how others interact, introduce yourself, and try participating in group activities. Overcome nerves by preparing a simple greeting or question. Progress is measured by your comfort level in group settings and your ability to follow or contribute to conversations.
4
Explore User-Created Spaces
2-4 hoursIntermediate
Summary: Visit popular user-built locations to experience creativity and learn about the world’s culture and possibilities.
Details: Beyond official areas, user-created spaces showcase the creativity and diversity of the community. Use in-world directories or recommendations from forums to find popular or highly-rated locations—clubs, galleries, themed hangouts, or interactive installations. Take time to explore, interact with objects, and observe how spaces are designed and used. Beginners sometimes stick to default areas, missing out on the richness of user content. Ask creators or regulars about their building process or inspiration. This step deepens your understanding of the platform’s creative tools and social fabric. Evaluate your progress by visiting several spaces and identifying features or ideas you’d like to try yourself.
5
Join a Group or Community
1 week (to join and participate)Intermediate
Summary: Apply to join an interest-based group or club, and participate in group chats or collaborative activities.
Details: Most virtual worlds have groups, clubs, or guilds centered around shared interests—music, art, roleplay, support, or learning. Search for groups that match your interests using in-world tools or community forums. Read their descriptions and guidelines, then apply or introduce yourself. Participate in group chats, attend meetings, or join collaborative projects. Beginners sometimes hesitate to join groups, fearing they’re not experienced enough, but most communities welcome newcomers. This step is vital for building lasting connections and finding your niche. Progress is shown by active participation, making friends, and contributing to group activities.
Welcoming Practices
„Onboarding tours“
Experienced users often escort newcomers around the virtual world to introduce features, social norms, and hotspots.
„Welcome gifts“
New members may receive starter virtual items or currency as a gesture of friendliness and inclusion.
Beginner Mistakes
Ignoring avatar customization options.
Spend time personalizing your avatar to better express yourself and connect with the community visually.
Using voice chat without a microphone check.
Test audio settings first to avoid disruptive background noise and ensure clear communication.
Pathway to Credibility
Tap a pathway step to view details
Participate actively in community events
Regular attendance and involvement demonstrates commitment and helps build relationships.
Contribute creative content
Building or designing avatars, clothing, or environments earns respect by adding value to the world.
Assist newcomers and moderate spaces
Helping others and maintaining respectful environments establishes leadership and trust.
Facts
Regional Differences
North America
North American users often focus on social hangouts, tech experimentation, and commercial content creation such as virtual real estate.
Europe
European communities sometimes prioritize art installations, roleplaying subcultures, and social activism within virtual worlds.
Asia
Asian users in these worlds often blend social spaces with gaming elements, including virtual fashion influenced by anime and pop culture.
Misconceptions
Misconception #1
Social virtual worlds are just simple chatrooms.
Reality
They feature persistent 3D environments with complex avatar interactions, user-created content, and rich social dynamics far beyond text chat.
Misconception #2
These worlds are the same as video games with goals and levels.
Reality
Many have no predefined game objectives or scoring, focusing instead on socializing, creativity, and emergent narratives.
Misconception #3
Everyone uses the same avatar and experiences the world identically.
Reality
Users customize avatars extensively, often creating highly personalized or fantastical identities that influence social interactions.
Clothing & Styles
Customizable avatar fashion
Clothing and accessories are carefully designed or purchased to express individuality, status, or alignment with subcultures; some users treat digital fashion as seriously as real-world style.
Event-specific outfits
Users create or wear themed clothing during virtual events or festivals, signaling participation and community belonging.
