Watch Life 2.0

Life 2.0 is a captivating and at times heartbreaking documentary series that explores the lives of players in a virtual world called Second Life. The show, which debuted on the Oprah Winfrey Network in 2010, shines a light on how people use the platform to build relationships, make money, and explore aspects of their identity that are difficult to do in real life.

The series is set in the early days of virtual reality, when Second Life was still a new and novel concept. The show's creators use a mix of live-action footage, interviews, and 3D animations to bring the virtual world to life. We follow several characters, including a young woman using the platform as a way to cope with her depression, a man who is running a successful nightclub in the virtual world, and a group of people who are using the platform to explore their sexuality.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the show is watching how the players navigate the intersections between their virtual and real lives. Some players are using Second Life as a way to escape the stresses of the real world, while others are able to use the platform to build real-world connections and even make a living.

Despite the many advantages of Second Life, the show also explores some of the darker aspects of the platform. For example, we see how some players use the virtual world to engage in activities that they could never get away with in real life, such as online harassment, cyberbullying, and even sexual assault. In one particularly disturbing episode, we see how one player hacks into another player's account and begins to destroy her virtual home, causing immense emotional pain.

What is perhaps most surprising about Life 2.0 is how "real" the virtual world feels. The show effectively blurs the line between the virtual and physical worlds, and the characters' experiences on Second Life feel just as important and impactful as their experiences in the real world. This is especially true for the show's more vulnerable characters – the players who use Second Life as a way to cope with depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues.

One aspect of Life 2.0 that may be frustrating for some viewers is the lack of a clear narrative structure. The show jumps between different characters and storylines, often without much apparent rhyme or reason. This can make it difficult to fully invest in any one storyline, and some viewers may find themselves wanting more clarity and direction.

Ultimately, Life 2.0 is a thought-provoking and emotional look at how technology is changing the way we live, love, and connect with one another. It's a must-watch for anyone interested in the intersections between virtual and real worlds, and the many ways in which technology is shaping our lives.

Life 2.0 is a series that ran for 1 seasons (10 episodes) between August 12, 2020 and on OWN