Modeling Reality with Virtual Worlds

Virtual worlds are a way to escape from reality and be a part of a whole new world. They can be used in different ways that offered different experiences. One way is an online simulated world where everyone has their own personal persona. They can build this character however they want and do what they want in this world. There aren't any boundaries as to what someone can buy or do in this world, it is completely up to them. This allows people such as Mandy Cocke to purchase expensive items in the virtual world and enjoy them there without actually breaking the bank. She does not need to purchase these expensive and luxury items in the real world and break the bank, she can enjoy them in the virtual world because there are no limits (2). While this is a great personal way to use the virtual world, businesses can start using different virtual worlds also. Services like Second Life are developing ways for employees of a company to be able to have a meeting in the virtual world on their company's secure network. The ability to collaborate effectively using virtual tools may now become an increasingly important skill as technology offers more options than, say, video conferencing (1). A pro of the virtual world could be that it allows people to escape from reality and can let them be free. People may not be comfortable in their own skin to express themselves completely and using a virtual world can allow them to do that, it allows them to be as creative as they want. A con of the virtual world is that people may become too dependent on it and disregard their real life. They may spend all their free time in the virtual world and can neglect real life responsibilities. Virtual worlds can be used properly within reason. The future of virtual worlds may begin to look more refined and less like an online world. People may use other technologies such as a virtual reality headset to become more consumed in a virtual world. They can use a virtual reality headset to experience more than they experienced before when they used a mouse and keyboard. The ideas are limitless.

1. Going to the Virtual Office in Second Life, CNN.com: Nov 5, 2009http://www.cnn.com/2009/BUSINESS/11/05/second.life.virtual.collaboration/index.html or below.
2. No Budget, No Boundaries: It’s the Real You by RUTH LA FERLA, the New York Times, Oct 22, 2009 p. E1. Available at:http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/22/fashion/22Avatar.html