What Is a Zwinky?
A Zwinky is an avatar, a virtual representation of an Internet user--a means of self-expression online. Given that personal expression is so important in the real world, it is no wonder that it has become important in the virtual world as well.
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History
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In 2006, IAC Interactive created Zwinky to appeal to teenagers, for whom self-expression can be essential. Featuring fully customizable characters and accessories, Zwinkies are uniquely designed avatars. Everything about a Zwinky is chosen: hair color, skin, eyes, glasses, shirts, pants and shoes.
Connectivity
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The Zwinky application downloads the MyWebSearch toolbar. This is the same type of search engine as Yahoo! or Google. With the use of a Zwinky avatar, social site users can embed their personal Zwinky into their profiles. Every time people change their Zwinky profile, every other site connected to the Zwinky profile will automatically update as well.
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Features
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Quickly becoming popular through public websites, such as MySpace, Zwinky soon evolved to include an entire community of Zwinky users. In response, Zwinky creators launched Zwinktopia, a virtual community where Zwinky users could meet and socialize. With features such as chat rooms and online game play, Zwinktopia managed to provide users with an environment in which they could "hang out" with other Zwinky users like themselves. Zwinktopia even features fully customizable dorm rooms and apartments that Zwinky users can decorate to reflect their personal design ideas. Zwinktopia has many stores, shops and even a mall, where Zwinkies can shop for accessories with Zbucks. By playing various games throughout Zarcadia, the online arcade, Zwinky users earn Zbucks, the currency for this virtual world.
Zwinky Cuties
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In addition to Zwinky, the creators at IAC Interactive have come up with a virtual environment for young girls 6 years old and above, called Zwinky Cuties. Zwinky Cuties allows for the same online interaction, at a limited and age-appropriate level.
Warnings
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Zwinky is suspected to support dangerous spyware that can reveal private information, leaving a user and the user's computer exposed to viruses or computer hacking. Also, some users have complained that the Zwinky search engine is confusing and that there are system errors and other problems.
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