blog.msurveys.com bought to my attention an article by Quirks Marketing Research Review who have publised an article highlighting the research opportunitys that Second Life provides. And while Second Life sounds like a place where ex-cons hang out the article rekons that by the year 2011 80% of internet users will be active participants of virtual worlds like Second Life. I do not disagree that there is huge opportunity if these numbers are true but I can’t help but feel these virtual worlds are a little overhyped.

From what I have seen and heard Second Life is pretty much empty and has been a waste of money for those that have invested (some do disagree) most of the time with the only drawcard being the occasional event. I signed up once over a year ago, thought it was cool and have been back once. When I went back it was never saw anyone and have since found I just don’t have the time or inclination to hang out in a virtual world. So while there is strong potential for market research is there strong potential for virtual worlds?