Virtual worlds can be used as a bridge between community and creativity; these worlds enable people to escape reality, or they can be used for educational/research purposes. Simon states, "Dozens of hospitals, medical schools and health foundations have staked out space in the online community Second Life, where participants can build their own virtual clinics and stage just about any training drill they can imagine." By making a virtual space with limitless possibilities, game developers created a platform that allows users to have new experiences outside of reality.
However, some users might be more present in their virtual world more than they are in the real world. This can pose as a con; one might become so encompassed in their virtual world it would become harder to distinguish it from reality. Itzkoff states, "...'But these things are possible in virtual worlds. You’ve experienced it as if it were real, because, in fact, it is real.'" As far as the future of virtual worlds, they will become more complex as developers create new features; hopefully there will be more ways virtual worlds can be used as educational devices.
However, some users might be more present in their virtual world more than they are in the real world. This can pose as a con; one might become so encompassed in their virtual world it would become harder to distinguish it from reality. Itzkoff states, "...'But these things are possible in virtual worlds. You’ve experienced it as if it were real, because, in fact, it is real.'" As far as the future of virtual worlds, they will become more complex as developers create new features; hopefully there will be more ways virtual worlds can be used as educational devices.
Links Used:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/06/arts/television/06itzk.html?pagewanted=2
http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703909804575124470868041204
No comments:
Post a Comment