Thornburg (2009) explains that a disruptive
technology is a new technology with the same functions of existing technology,
but function more efficiently and then obsoletes that technology. Disruptive
technologies have always been in existence and can basically come out of nowhere.
Thornburg (2009) describes these types of technologies as “wild cards” they can
hit the scene at any time and can create a huge disturbance on the existing
technology. One technology that has become a disruptive technology is a website
called “Second Life.” “Second Life is a 3D virtual
world where everyone seen is a
real person and every place visited is built by anyone,” (Second Life, 2012).
This technology is a disruptive technology because it disrupts the flow of online
video games, internet surfing, distant learning and social networking. This
technology allows for individuals to indulge into a world full of fantasies and
excitement creating any and everything they have ever dreamed of. There is no
cost to join and is very user-friendly. Although Second Life hasn’t completely
taken over the social and educational front, it is becoming more and more
popular every day.
With Second Life gaining much popularity, one must
wonder when it will end. Everything has an expiration date and Second Life is
any different than the next technology. With technology becoming more efficient
every day, I personally think that Second Life may have another 5 years on the
scene before another emerging technology replaces. Once a formula is created
that becomes popular, it’s only a matter of time before someone creates a
similar, but better technology that functions more efficiently. An example of
this is cell phones. As soon as one model of a cell phone comes out, it becomes
very popular and everyone must have one. Very shortly, sometimes within months,
a better cell phone hits the market making the existing cell phone obsolete.
The newer phone is just a tad bit nicer with more gadgets. This cycle with cell
phones and all other technologies will go on for a lifetime.
Although Second Life is used for many things, there
is a huge social benefit for becoming a member. One social benefit of this technology
is that people with the same likes and interest can interact on all sorts of
levels. Another social benefit of Second Life is it gives individuals a place
where that can meet people from all over the world can share their ideas on
this one site. They can see how each other’s cultures are and basically learn
about each other. In my industry, which is education, virtual worlds can be
very beneficial. This can be a place where students can go and hang out
virtually with other students from their school or other schools within their
city or all over the globe. Students will also be able to share information
about their schools and create a virtual world of their school so others can
take a look into their world. Teachers can also use this as a tool for students
to see show how other people around the world interact.
Thornburg, Laureate Education, Inc.
(2009). Disruptive technologies. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Second Life. (2012). Second Life: Your
World. Your Imagination. Retrieved from http://secondlife.com/?lang=en-US
