Pandanda is an online social networking game that was launched in 2008. It is currently a live site aimed at children ages 6 to 14. The site was originally tested in beta mode for free until the program solved its problems and scheduling problems. . The site is a harmless and cute-looking children’s website featuring cute, non-threatening red pandas and little forest animals, much like stuffed animals for kids or animated animals on a preschool-age television show. Members choose a red panda as their avatar and move around the site chatting with other avatars.

There are several levels of membership. Kids can test the website with a free membership; however, this limits the activity they can have in the virtual world. Paid memberships start at $ 5.95 per month with discounts for a 6 and 12 month membership. A paid membership allows players to enjoy all the features in the world. The site also has a currency for members to get free memberships called Panda Gold. Members can earn this coin by completing surveys, watching videos, or completing offers. Panda Gold can also be exchanged for the main currency on the site, simply called ‘coins’. The website is the basis of the game. There is no file download to operate the game. The website is only available in English.

Characteristics

New members of Pandanda choose an avatar in the shape of a red panda to be their online personality. They choose a house for their panda and can modify it to suit their personality. The main goal of the world is for players to earn ‘coins’ to pay for the life of their panda in the virtual world. Players buy food, clothing, shelter, and household items for their avatars. Coins unlock these features and also provide opportunities for players to interact with other players. Members can chat about their pandas with other members in a chat room and make friends with other players. The website’s mascot is named Henry. It is the panda that acts as host and the face of Pandanda.

What is good

Pandanda is quite an innocent website that will mainly appeal to boys and girls under the age of ten who are interested in friendship with other children. Pandas are designed to appeal to young children and appear non-threatening. Facial expressions are friendly and pleasant. The company that produced the website succeeded in designing an innocent-looking atmosphere for the children. There are no adult themes in the virtual world or on the website. There is no violence, drinking, smoking, drug use, sex or offensive language.

The main focus of Pandanda that will earn the respect of parents is the ability of children to understand and handle financial concepts. Players must be responsible with their coins to take care of their panda. The purchase of goods can be interpreted as something negative by reinforcing overspending and commercialism; however, parents can be proactive and teach their children the value of money and how to spend it wisely. This is a light, smooth and harmless virtual world.

What is bad

The age range that Pandanda is targeting seems to be a bit out of touch with the charts. Character design may be fine for kids after kindergarten, but kids over the age of nine will find them youthful. The website is very static with little movement. It would be a great improvement if the animal’s movements could be choreographed better. Users have encountered problems with chat pages that are mildly offensive. Inappropriate language may be posted unless detected and removed by a moderator.

Beyond being responsible with money, this virtual world has very little educational value. The average design and standard approach to creating the virtual world can leave parents scratching their heads as to what exactly they are paying for. This company needs to update the graphics on the website and not try to exaggerate its demographics.

Online security

The website has done a good job of promoting online safety. Personal information is never displayed online. There are two chat modes: secure chat (child clicks on default chat message) and standard filtered chat (child writes own moderated message). Parents can easily access company security information. Pandanda encourages parents to monitor their children’s online experience and have an open conversation with them about online safety.