It was inevitable that Barbie would meet social networking. BarbieGirls is a new virtual world, not unlike many other virtual worlds, except that this center of attention is on the things that Barbie cares about most passionately: room decoration, fashion, and chat. (Gag me with a spoon!)

The experience begins with the creation of a personal avatar. You choose a Barbie, pick the dress, the eyes, mouth, and accessories. Once you’ve created your on-screen personae it’s off to decorate your room, have your nails done, and design your perfect Ken. Finally, all dressed up and accessorized, you get to chat with the other Barbie girls. The chats are moderated to keep the conversation age appropriate. Bad words are blocked. In B Chat girls can choose from pre-selected conversation snippets. In Secret Chat they can talk directly to their friends, but only if they first own a Barbie Girl that is physically connected to the PC via a docking station. (This is the WebKinz model where you must buy a Barbie before you can chat.)

Earn Barbie Bucks

As you explore the site you earn Barbie Bucks that can be spent on even more clothes and accessories. It probably won’t surprise you to know that Barbie’s world is a very pink one. And Mattel is following up the release of Barbie Girls with a Barbie-shaped MP3 player.

Missed Opportunity

Such is the day in life of being Barbie that nothing takes precedence over what Barbie wears and how she decorates. Imagine how different Barbie’s world might be if girls could do something with a bit more oomph to it. Talk about what they’d like to be when they grow up, perhaps? Design Barbie’s academic curricula? Have Barbie get out there and volunteer to do something besides primp?

The site’s motto? Fashion, fun, and friendship. (Apparently in that order.) Mattel had a chance to mature Barbie into a girl who thinks about her future and interacts with the modern world. Instead, she’s locked into a bygone era where clothes make the woman. Is Barbie still relevant? Let me know what you think.