Modeling Reality with Virtual Worlds

A virtual world is a computer-based simulated environment where many users can create personal avatars and virtually interact with other in different scenarios. One way virtual worlds can be used is for work. In the article Going to the virtual office in Second Life by Mark Tutton, he talks about how companies began using virtual worlds to hold conferences due to the 2008 recession causing cuts in travel budgets. Some pros that were mentioned in the article by a user said virtual worlds saved travel time and because of the engaging environment, more ideas came through. Other tools in virtual worlds also let users collaborate on projects online. On the other hand, some cons are that "...people mess up because they think that what works in a face-to-face environment also works in a virtual environment" said Surinder Kahai. Another con is that virtual teams can't take advantage of the kind of impromptu "water cooler" conservations that occur in a real workplace when, for example, a colleague has forgotten to communicate some things in the meetings. Aside from work use, virtual worlds can also be used for regular socialization with friends or strangers. The article I've Been in That Club Just Not in Real Life by Dave Itzkoff talks about how virtual worlds can also be used to imitate neighborhoods and places such as restaurants and clubs where users can experience it online. Some pros of using virtual worlds for this purpose was that "There were no imperious bouncers or foul odors to contend with, and no fluids of any kind expectorated on my shoes" said Dave. By using virtual worlds to experience outside environments you don't have to undergo the uncomfortable things that come along with it such as over populated areas. Aside from the pros, there are also cons which include not getting the full experience of being in actual location in which you are virtually in. It is not the same being in Katz Delicatessen online and being there in person. Virtual worlds also can't completely copy an environment or neighborhood fully so you might not feel like you are there in person decreasing your experience in virtual worlds. Using virtual worlds foster much creativity by allowing people to choose where they want to be whenever they want just through a computer. By allowing users to create personal avatars, they are given more of an opportunity to be creativity on how they want other users to view them physically. I think the future of virtual worlds will look more and more realistic as well as the inclusion of more tools that allow users to do more than just talk and walk around.