Modeling Reality with Virtual Worlds

A virtual world is a computerized simulated environment where people are able communicate to each other using avatars. There are many uses for a virtual world; they are often used to stimulate the real world, helping people improve on activities. For example, surgeons can using a virtual world to practice operating on patients. Rather than practicing and risking it on a real human, they are able to do it in the virtual world with no repercussions. The military can simulate a real world situation and use it to train their soldiers. There have been many instances where virtual world has been used to host meetings or host classes. There are many advantages and disadvantages to using a virtual world. Like mentioned before, one of the advantages of virtual world is that it can be used to train a profession without any repercussions. It is a effective way to communicate as people are able to simulated real meetings even with distance issues. In the article "Going to the virtual office in Second Life" by Mark Tutton, he states that "according to Linden Lab, creators of Second Life, more than 1,400 organizations -- including large companies, educational institutions, government agencies and even the U.S. military -- use Second life to hold meetings, conduct training and prototype new technologies." The disadvantages of virtual worlds is that because virtual worlds are being hosted over the net, there will be lag time. The real world is difficult and time-consuming to completely simulate a virtual world. Another disadvantage of virtual world is that people are often anonymous, leading to trust issues. However, this can be also be considered as a pro. Because people are often anonymous, people are not afraid to show off their creativity without being judged. People will be able to create without any financial issues either. In the article "No Budget, No Boundaries: It's the Real you" by Ruth La Ferla, "shoppers like Many Cocke, Vixie Rayna's real-life alter ego, have sharply trimmed their spending." I believe that virtual will only get more popular now that virtual reality is huge now. It is now more accessible to the average consumer. People from all over the world will be able to communicate with each other and connect easier with virtual reality.