Second Life And Medicine
I found this website interesting: http://www.webicina.com/courses_free/?ID=13. It talks about how Second Life could be used in the medicine field. Maybe it could be some what beneficial in the future. Especially the idea of support groups for diseases. It isn't so much saying that doctors can cure you online. But rather doctors that are learning can learn online with both real and made up problems under the direction of those more experienced in the field. ... Second Life can be a useful and interactive tool both for educators and students; or for patients seeking support and health information. Education plays a major role in Second Life: * distance education, language learning * simulations and roleplays * presentations, sessions, panels, libraries * data visualization: tutorials, exhibits * or fund raising This E-course can help you how to enter the virtual world, which medical places to visit, how to set a slideshow up and organize a meeting in Second Life.

For most players it's just another way to kill time. http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/6656/linden2vr4.jpg I think for most gaming addicts, their patience level with real world situations gets lower and lower. I'm not sure that every aspect of these virtual world games is healthy or positive. But, it might have some uses. It's just a shame how it steals one's free time. I can't say that it's free by any means.