Modeling Reality with Virtual Worlds

Different ways that virtual worlds can be used are for business and entertainment purposes. Entering this digital world, especially in the field of business, allows people to isolate themselves in a way that you're still connected, but have your own space where you can represent yourself through your virtual avatars. Jacki Morie, a virtual world designer, states that the next generation of web browsers are going to be "fully 3D enabled." In the "After Second Life, can Virtual worlds get a reboot" article, Morie displays her confidence that there is an opportunity for business, where virtual worlds are accessible via the web browser instead of a program. Business will be more commonly conducted over the virtual worlds, as we've already been accustomed to our usage of smart phones and tablets to conduct our interactions. This can be considered a pro because this virtual world of business will redefine the idea of communication, and it can really elevate one's experience as you can find communities that foster your interest in these virtual worlds, thus allowing creativity to prosper. Also in the "Going to the virtual office in the Second Life," article, the creators of Second Life, state that more than 1,400 organizations which include large companies, educational institutions, government agencies and even the U.S. military, have used Second Life to hold meetings, conduct training and prototype new technologies more efficiently. Although this seems like a great and growing opportunity, the con for VR in a business setting would be that it would be tough to adapt so quickly, and that you are more vulnerable to deception utilizing a virtual interface. Laws are not precisely written out to the jurisdiction of a virtual reality landscape, so there will be complications involved. 

Virtual Reality is also used heavily for entertainment purposes and substituting real world experiences. In the, "I've Been in That Club, Just Not In Real Life" article, we get an idea of how people are able to participate in new experiences without having to physically be there. Such a virtual experience was described as being like a "mash-up of Facebook and Grand Theft Auto, with a dash of the indie-rock Web site Pitchfork thrown in for good measure."  The world of VLES is something that people can experience and it's as if you are experiencing the real environment through your online avatar that's created. It's easy to meet new people through that VR, but it can also be something of concern for the future. Just like video games, people can possibly get addicted to such virtual worlds and lose their sense of reality. You're living this virtual life where you aren't really achieving the real experience, but rather being simulated into experiencing one. It has its benefits, but at the same time you're not achieving the authenticity of real world interactions and experiences.

Virtual Reality creates this new opportunity to grow, allowing creativity to be embraced in this new landscape. VR sparks interests and helps connect people through the web more quickly than ever before. The rate that we're going I wouldn't be surprised if college courses will be conducted virtually, where there isn't an actual professor nor a physical classroom. We can simulate a classroom through VR, and be able to learn in the VR world where we can simulate experiences for specific courses.