“It’s a perfect time to play video games. And you shouldn’t feel bad about it.” (The New York Times, March 23, 2020) Isn’t that the truth? Lately, it seems as though the real world is but a distant memory and our day to day routines have been completely changed. While most of us practice social distancing and are no longer able to go out to run errands, work, and see friends in real life, it’s no surprise that lately we’ve seen our IMVU community grow faster than ever before. All of a sudden our new normal has become a completely virtual life.

Once upon a time the emphasis of social media was placed squarely on being ‘social.’ Making friends, hanging out online, checking in with our besties, keeping up to date on our lives. And then, in an effort to generate more pageviews for advertising revenue the social media landscape shifted to emphasize ‘viewership.’ Rather than focusing on authentic interactions among friends, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram tapped into our dopamine addiction for ‘likes’ and turned what used to be our platform for keeping up with our friends into the timeline of high life window dressing and attention-grabbing events. …

At IMVU, the world’s largest avatar-based social network, we’re studying ways to help people meet new people and deepen their social relationships. The shared experiences in IMVU help people bond, create friendships, and even develop over time more romantic relationships. And that, according to various research, helps you be happier and live longer because of a person’s natural desire to connect with other people.

Human beings probably danced even before there was a word for it. Music and dancing represent a cultural opportunity to capture the energetic spirit of celebrations and people coming together as a community. As individuals, dancing is an opportunity to express ourselves or display our talents (unless you’re Beyonce… then it’s an opportunity to reign as Queen of pop culture). If you’ve listened to music from around the world, you’ll likely hear that all songs include a strong rhythm that triggers movement in social situations and boosts group bonding. Even the level of touch and intimacy in dancing with others contributes to the bond that results from a social experience…

Set in 2045, Ready Player One (RP1) creates a picture of a utopic virtual reality where everyone can participate in the story of their dreams. It’s a multimillion-dollar preview of the technological takeover that VR thought leaders are trying to build right now. In describing the relevance of Ready Player One for today’s moviegoers, director Steven Spielberg explains, “The fabric of our economy is crumbling. It’s a good time to escape. In the near future, virtual reality will be a superdrug.”

(Updated February 2022) Creativity is currency in the IMVU ecosystem. Creators design products which are merchandised in the IMVU store where 7 million visitors shop each month, spending credits that support the work of Creators. IMVU’s economy is predicated on authenticating, tracking, connecting, and paying a chain of Content Creators. Meet Izis, Paris-based fashion designer, whose collection of shoes, jeans, furs, and accessories are sought out by a dedicated following of fans around the world. Her designs are inspired by up-to-the minute “trends, and what I see outside in the streets of Paris.”

Art is art, it will always be a universal expression of creativity, imagination and storytelling, whether through music, painting, sculpting, or even digital art. And you should be paid for it. — You’ve spent a lot of time and effort honing your craft to accomplish something personal and meaningful, and yet your audience is limited to your social media, your friends, or your own website. Here’s how to get your digital art noticed, and make money from it.

“Hank and I met on IMVU in 2009. He saw a picture of my avatar that I posted on my account, and messaged me. He had a great sense of humor, and seemed to enjoy mine. After I sent him a few messages, we started talking, a little at first…

January 30 is National Plan a Vacation Day. While it seems from Instagram that literally everyone you know is on a vacation or preparing for one, the truth is that may not actually be the case. …