Modeling Reality with Virtual Worlds

 What are different ways these virtual worlds can be used? What are the pros and cons? Be specific. How do virtual worlds foster creativity? What do you think the future of virtual worlds will look like?

    A virtual world is exactly what it sounds like—a world that takes place in a virtual setting. There are many unique ways to partake in a virtual world. According to Jacki Morie, "You can use virtual worlds in education, in delivery services, or as an advanced form of telehealthcare that offers so much more than videoconferencing. Virtual worlds can give us social connectivity, built-in support groups, and ways to avoid ever being alone again."

    Major pros of a virtual world revolve around connectivity of people. It allows people to socialize, even after the "physical world 'roaming radius'" have shrunk. It allows another option for businesses because coworkers can cooperate through virtual settings. It can be a space for those who suffer from psychological damage to heal. 

    Despite this, there are also many cons. Due to the fact that virtual worlds shrinks the physical world, people from different cultures are given the opportunity to connect with each other. As Mark Tutton wrote, "virtual teams may not share national and organizational cultures." Because the setting is virtual, we are not given the opportunity to participate in what he calls "water-cooler conversations." Much of what we could communicate through body language are impossible to convey in virtual worlds.

    Virtual worlds foster creativity because it forces the creators to think outside the box, and allows its users to engage the world as they see fit. Morie noted the challenges of creating a healing space, constantly asking herself "What ifs," and how one area would connect with another area. 

    I think virtual worlds have a bright future. This year, we have been struck by a pandemic and many of us were forced to stay home and socially distance. In a situation like this, virtual worlds would have a great impact by allowing people to stay connected with their loved ones. I am also excited to see how virtual worlds will evolve to create better business opportunities.


Mehta, Diane. After Second Life, Can Virtual Worlds Get a Reboot?, 30 Apr. 2013, https://www.forbes.com/sites/dianemehta/2013/04/30/after-second-life-can-virtual-worlds-get-a-reboot/#3fc2bcdd735a. Accessed 21 Oct. 2020

Tutton, Mark. Going to the virtual office in Second Life, 9 Nov. 2009,                                              http://www.cnn.com/2009/BUSINESS/11/05/second.life.virtual.collaboration/index.html.           Accessed 21 Oct. 2020     



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