Modeling Reality with Virtual Worlds

There are many ways in which virtual worlds can be use to benefit us. First it has been growing in use in the corporate world, as a place to "meet" people."large companies, educational institutions, government agencies and even the U.S. military -- use Second Life to hold meetings, conduct training and prototype new technologies more efficiently."This fact shows the ever growing importance and usefulness that virtual worlds are providing us. They allow us to be there without really being there.  It also allows us to keep things preserved, which is another pro regarding these worlds. The case of Hotel Chelsea, a popular hotel that was taken over by new management and completely remodelled not exists, in its original state, on a virtual level thanks to Second Life. Second life also allows users to purchase goods within the world, using real money that is trading for virtual money.

It has also been practical in the medical world, with the use an online simulation designed to help nurses make quick, sure decisions in emergencies. These virtual worlds are sweeping the real world and drawing users in, whether it be for work or leisure purposes. Some negative effects of living in these worlds is that one can become "absorbed", spending more time in the virtual world than in actual reality. Sometimes players can become so obsessed they wind up spending every moment living out a virtual life, and spending a lot of money on these virtual items with no physical value.

Virtual worlds do a lot to foster creativity. It gives the opportunity to explore the world without leaving your computer chair. One could visit world landmarks, virtually, or even recreate them. It allows people to express themselves in a way that they cannot in real life, due to many reasons. The future of virtual worlds is definitely growing as people spend more time on computers. I think it will continue to be a great method in the professional world, with meetings, demos, and simlations to help workers in everday scenarios. In the future, the entire Earth will be virtual, down to every last inch and we will be able to explore where ever we want to visit while sitting at our desk.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703909804575124470868041204.html?KEYWORDS=avatar+ii+the+hospital
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/03/nyregion/thecity/03virt.html?_r=1
http://www.cnn.com/2009/BUSINESS/11/05/second.life.virtual.collaboration/index.html