Modeling Reality with Virtual Worlds

Virtual reality worlds in today's society are amongst some of the most popular ways of social networking. But, how do these virtual worlds work? The first thing that comes to mind when thinking of virtual worlds is of course video games. However, they can be much more than just entertainment. Virtual reality worlds can be used to re-create real life for social interaction and site seeing. An example would be the re-creation of the Lower East Side with the purpose of creating a social network where users can meet in a place that is common and interesting to them with plenty of three dimensional space unlike Facebook and Myspace.[1] Virtual worlds can also be used in business as well. As a matter of fact, some companies are seeking ways of having meetings in virtual worlds. Employees would simply sit in a virtual meeting room and handle their business just like they would in the real world.[2] This would save time and certainly create a more relaxing environment.

What happens in the virtual world does not necessarily have to stay there. In fact, an advantage of virtual worlds is the ability to practice social iterations with others as a way of prepping one's self for the real world.[3] In the real world people with social phobias or even those who do not get the chance to socialize very much, can simply sharpen their social skills in virtual worlds.

Of course, just like everything that is popular in the digital era, there much be some downsides. Virtual reality can become very addictive. Take video-gamers for example, how many times do we see a child who suffers from real-life inactivity because of video-games? It happens too often, too many teens, even adults in some cases, become obsessed with these virtual worlds and forget about the real world.

A major advantage of virtual worlds despite all the cons however, is the ability to encourage creativity. When it comes to virtual reality worlds, regular everyday people can do just about anything they can think of. In a virtual world, you have a new start and the power to do whatever you want. In these worlds, your imagination knows no boundaries and you are free to be pretty much whatever you can think of.[4]

Personally, I believe that virtual worlds will continue to expand. I do believe that social networks will one day be entirely three dimensional. But, not only for social networking, there might even come a day when our real world becomes very virtual to us. We might never have to leave the comfort of our home again as one day we might just navigate avatars of ourselves just like we do with virtual worlds.



1. Itzkoff, Dave. "I’ve Been in That Club, Just Not in Real Life." The New York Times. 06 Jan. 2008. Web.
2. Tutton, Mark. "Going to the virtual office in Second Life." CNN. 09 Nov. 2009. Web.
3. Saidi, Nicole. "'Naughty Auties' battle autism with virtual interaction." CNN. 28 Mar. 2008. Web.
4. Ferla, Ruth. "No Budget, No Boundaries: It’s the Real You ." The New York Times. 21 Oct. 2009. Web.