Modeling Reality with Virtual Worlds

A virtual world is an online community that takes the form of a computer based simulated environment through which users can interact with one another and use and create objects. Virtual worlds are representation of reality but it is much simpler than the real world. Virtual worlds bridge community and creativity. Different ways virtual worlds can be used is by training programs, multiplayer online gaming, Nintendo Wii, medical procedures, and etc. Virtual reality environments have been used for training stimulator for flight and military battlefield. Another result of virtual worlds is multiplayer online gaming such as Second Life and World of Warcraft. For an example, in the article "In Room 100, It's Sid and Nancy All Over Again" by Saki Knafo it describes how a man used Second Life to make a virtual world replica of the famous Chelsea hotel in NYC. In which Sid the Sex Pistols bassist killed his girlfriend Nancy. Another example, in the article "Naughty Auties battle autism with virtual interaction" by Nicole Saidi describes a virtual world center for those who have autism to meet and interact with people in a virtual tropical getaway. The Nintendo Wii has motion capture and intuitive interaction concepts similar to virtual reality technologies of the past. Also, doctors can interact with virtual systems to practice procedures or to do tiny surgical procedures on a larger scale. The pros of virtual reality are more personal, great social interaction and communication with people who share similar interests with people in a wider geographic location. The cons of virtual worlds are it is an inescapable aspect of social life with dangers of deception that can lead to low self esteem, feeling of worthlessness and insignificance. Virtual worlds foster creativity by technology developing from old media to new media. Newspapers turn into online newspapers, books into eBooks, music into mp3 files, video into Youtube, and etc all are examples of creativity in virtual worlds. What I think the future of virtual worlds will look like is actual other world experiences. If you have the money you would be able to creative and live in your alternative world in your spare time. It will be fun and relaxing as well you could do anything you every dreamed of.