Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this virtual world actually teaches kids things -- how to shop for healthy food, how to open a bank account, and how to send a package at the post office. Kids play games to gain Millsbucks, the site's online currency. Some of the games are challenging, and there are enough of them that kids won't get bored so easily. The site is run by General Mills and some of the games are sponsored by their sugar cereals or candy. Characters are rewarded for choosing healthy foods rather than junk, but one wonders if that outweighs the hours of play kids consume playing the sugary food-themed games. Overall, though, this site practices restraint in its marketing messages to kids. Also, aside from sending cards, there's not really any interaction with other members. You can browse others' homes and look around, but that's it.
Families can talk about how companies try to sell their products by sponsoring games and areas of online worlds. Do you think it's OK to be subtle (or subliminal) about it or is it better to be direct, say, with an ad? Does playing a game sponsored by a certain brand make you want to buy that brand? Families can also discuss how to spend money wisely. What's appropriate to buy with your online cash and what's unnecessary? Our guide about social sites and buying also has some good questions about spending and saving.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Jean Armour Polly
Millsberry is a free virtual world brought to you by General Mills where players create avatar "citizens" to populate the town. You can design your own male or female character, right down to its facial expression and personality traits.
Your character comes with a basic wardrobe, but there are loads of other garments and accessories you can "purchase" at one of the shops. You can decorate your home, too. But you'll need some Millsbucks to do that. To get those, you'll have to play games -- games that can be quite challenging, such as word scrambles and acting as editor in chief of the Millsberry Gazette. With the money you make, you can start a bank account and earn some interest.
Playing games also improves your character's statistics in Health, Fitness, and Intelligence. There's also something called Civics: a measure of how much your character contributes to the community. Picking up trash in the park is a good way to achieve more Civics points.
Considering the site is the product of a major corporation, it's surprisingly tame on the marketing front. Some games are sponsored by a sugary cereal or candy, but there are good messages sprinkled throughout. In the Closet area: "Keep your clothes here. But keep it clean or you won't be able to find anything!" and in the Grocery Store: "…you'll find all kinds of foods for your character. Just remember it's important to fill your stomach but it's also important to make healthy choices. Make sure to choose a variety of foods to help keep your character healthy."
There's a lot to do and explore in Millsberry, yet it all seems sort of lonely and hollow. Aside from sending cards, there's not really any interaction with other members. You can browse others' homes and look around, but that's it.
For another safe virtual world, head on over to Webkinz.com.
Reviewed: 06/11/2007
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Social BehaviorMembers don't interact with each other. You are encouraged to eat healthy foods and help clean up your room and the environment. |
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CommercialismGeneral Mills products are featured in games and throughout the town, but they aren't shoved down kids' throats. |
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Educational ValueMany of the games make you think. |
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