Modeling Reality with Virtual Worlds

A virtual world is a computer-based online community environment that allows users to interact in a custom-built, simulated world. I have never given the idea of virtual worlds much thought until now. When I have thought about it, it was because of television shows I have watched and it dealt with video games. However, virtual worlds are used more than I knew. Businesses are participants of the virtual world as well. According to the article, “Going to the Virtual Office in Second Life”, businesses are testing virtual meetings. I think it is a great idea for companies to use virtual communities for conferences and remote meetings. This reduces cost for travel, hotel, and other expenses. It makes no sense to go the extra mile when you can attend from your desktop. Video is a great aspect. However, there is something about the physical aspect of creating avatars that mimic employees that  simply adds more value than video. Though there are pros, there are cons as well, such as the surfacing of isolation. This occurs because there is a lack of face-to-face communication. There will never be a business world that is completely virtual. It simply would not work. Businesses need face-to face communication because it is extremely important. In a different direction, the virtual world can enable endless creativity for us, even for kids. According to the article, “After Second Life, Can Virtual Worlds Get a Reboot”, the virtual world is a space for kids to exercise their imagination and to connect with others to create and build things. I believe in the future, there will be virtual schools, which would be very interesting. It would definitely feel more personal because it has that physical aspect, and I think students would enjoy it. Also, it is possible that there will be virtual dating sites.