IMVU.com

Beautiful 3-D chat world; can be unsafe.

Entertainment Value: Very high Graphics: Beautifully rendered Playability: Easy Reading Level: Medium Website: http://www.imvu.com

Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that the anime feel of this beautiful 3-D social networking site will encourage younger teens to log on, but it really isn't for kids. The instant messaging focus makes it very easy for strangers to engage with each other via avatars. Users find other people to talk to by searching on age, sex, and location. And, like most social networking sites and virtual worlds, some avatars' home pages are fine, while others contain sexual, violent, or otherwise for-adult-only content. To access most of the really bad content, though, you need to pay $20. You need credits to buy stuff for your avatar, and teens can get creative by designing and selling catalog items or public rooms. You can also use real money to buy credits and VIP passes that get you access to more features (more groups, more clothes, etc.). The free software you have to download only runs on a PC, although Mac users can access home pages from the main IMVU page.

Families can talk about Internet safety and establish rules for using the site safely and responsibly. What are the potential pitfalls of sharing personal information online? What kind of information is off-limits? How can you really trust another avatar? Families can also talk about setting limits on computer time. How much time online is enough? Too much?

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Jean Armour Polly and Heidi Kotansky

IMVU is an innovative chat program that also contains "MySpace"-like social networking elements. Although all users can visit the site's Web pages and see the previews, only PC users can actually download the software to participate in the virtual worlds.

First users create an avatar (a visual representation of themselves) that convey what they're like or how they'd like to be. One thousand credits are also part of the new user gift pack -- spend them any way you like by browsing the online catalog. Fancy a virtual tiara, or maybe a belly piercing? You can get one for fewer than 500 credits. There are also angel wings, elf ears, and pets for your avatar. Some people earn more credits by designing and selling catalog items. There are other ways to obtain credits, including buying them with real money (5,000 credits=$5.00).

You also get a customizable home page, where you can describe yourself and keep a blog. You can decorate your page by pasting in animated stickers (bought from the catalog). Don't forget to post your "wish list" of things you hope other people will buy from the catalog for you. Visitors can leave you messages. There's also a "gallery" where you post screenshots of your interactions with other avatars or cool things other avatars are doing (funny numerous gestures, facial expressions, and movements). They can also flirt and embrace other avatars (snapshot time!)

Avatars have different scenes to chat in and more rooms can be purchased from the catalog. The "Chat Now" button selects a random stranger to chat with. Because you can see everyone's screen name, you can access their home page to find out more about them. You can change the vantage point in each scene -- zoom in for a close-up, or back off for a wide shot. The graphics are astounding, but the ability to see your character physically interact with someone else does take the anonymous feel out of online chat. Frankly, it's a little disturbing.

Speaking of disturbing, many odd things are for sale in the catalog, such as handcuffs, syringes, revolvers, and even crucifixion nails (left and right, plus a crown of thorns, available separately). While there are plenty of additional clothes on sale, the "Sexy Schoolgirl bundle" is one example that lets users know there's more going on here than meets the eye.

Although IMVU is free, only VIP avatars can use certain special features. And for those over 18 who want to see restricted and mature content (nudity and raunchy catalog items), an "Access Pass" can be bought for $20.

For another cool-looking online world, check out Teen Second Life.

Reviewed: 06/14/2006

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Content		CS	adults	kids
Content
Sexual Content Many user home pages have sexual innuendo, racy graphics, and titillating discussion.
Violence Some home pages are fine; others discuss sado-masochism and have violent images.
Language Many home pages are full of offensive talk.
Message
	Social Behavior While you may build online friendship-making skills, the site may desensitize kids to real human interaction and encourage talking with strangers.
	Commercialism Some ads. Access to restricted areas and credits to purchase higher status items can be bought for $5 to $20.
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco Found on user home pages.
	Educational Value Teens can learn about graphic arts and 3-D rendering and build a public room.