Virtual Worlds developed from life simulation games such as ‘The Sim’s’ (that was popular in the late 1990’s early 2000’s) into a Multi-Billion Dollar Industry. Even in the face of one of the worst world recessions in history! There impact is not only limited to letting people virtually experience things never imaginable before like (teleportation, being a rockstar, etc) through avatars in virtual worlds that exists in cyberspace on website like Second Life.
I for one see these virtual worlds as a waste of time but the technology has not been incorporated in my interests or needs yet. I think spending ones free time and money living a virtual life that is relatively intangible is a waste of time and resources. But for some these places can foster creativity. They are environments where people can make and exchange digital goods and content. Albeit these aren’t tangible they can still be considered creative on the digital plane.
On the other hand, these virtual worlds have a lot of potential to have a positive impact in the world. For instance, look at the case where autistic people used virtual worlds as a therapeutic tool to learn social skills in a safe environment. This is just one example of how this technology can help the handicap. Imagine a bedridden person being able to attend a concert or family function.
They also have the potential to replace current communication media like video chats and streaming concerts Streaming Concerts or at least integrate them as a popular feature. The problem with this scenario, is these virtual worlds essentially become a glorified GUI, and what I would see as a waste of time/ energy if I were considering it for a corporations conferencing needs such as when it was integrated in to a Congressional meeting These worlds will be what you make them. Like I said i think they’re a waste of time, but others can most certainly find these virtual realities real solutions to real problems.
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