Modeling Reality with Virtual Worlds

Virtual worlds can be used for different purposes, one purpose can be for commercial gaming worlds where in this world the main focus is in a fictional theme where they follow conventions such as character based avatars and competitive events. This world is strongly influenced by fantasy, science fictions, film and literature. Another purpose for virtual worlds is to social and build an online community. In this world people are less focused on gaming but more focused on open ended experiences and small chat rooms.  Here the people involved are less worried about winning a game but instead more interested in socializing with others and creating their space. Companies also use virtual worlds to their advantage as explained in “Going to the virtual office in Second Life” where companies let employees create their own avatars in order to have virtual meetings instead of having to meet in person.  Last but not least some virtual worlds are used for educational purposes. These worlds can be sponsored by an academic institution or nonprofit organization where they have 3D museums and gallery spaces, computer programming and even libraries.

There are some pros and cons. Let’s begin with the pros…virtual worlds offers new experiences for people. In virtual worlds people can walk into buildings and be a part of different activities. They can create their own space whether that is their own home or museum or any place, and they can decorate it as they please. The article” iReport: 'Naughty Auties' battle autism with virtual interaction” describes David a 22 year old who created his own personal home in and an avatar character. Here David meets new people and finds it simple because he is still at home and doesn’t have to travel to do so, only thing he has to do is join his virtual world and interact with others.  Another pro is the interaction people have with the new people they meet there. They can decorate their own home as they please and bring others to come and get a sense of the ambiance, and experiences they have when they come into someone else’s virtual world. Unfortunately, there are also some cons to virtual worlds. A major con can be psychological effects virtual worlds may bring because some people might make this their own reality. Some people might be afraid to do certain things out in the real world and they instead perform it in virtual worlds and satisfy their emptiness.  Another con can be people that create their own space and make it into a not so good environment; Environments where in the real world they would be in trouble for.

Virtual worlds do foster creativity because people are inspired to create their own personal spaces as they please, and decorate it how they want, and add the colors and textures they want. They can be as creative as they want since it is their own personal space, and no one can judge it or not allow it. People a part of virtual worlds feel inspired to create things straight from their imagination. And as far as the future for virtual worlds I think more and more people and companies will engage in virtual world activities because of freedom and creativity it allows.