Modeling Reality with Virtual Worlds

Virtual worlds are online experiences where people can experience a life different from reality. These Virtual worlds exist online and can have many people interacting with each other through this virtual space. The uses of these virtual worlds can be used in any ways such as socializing, entertainment, informative purposes as well as for work purposes such as planning. In the article "After Second Life, Can Virtual Worlds Get A Reboot", the author states that one of the benefits that virtual worlds provides is that it allows users to be "alone together". The statement "alone together" is an oxymoron because it puts together two words with opposite meanings but it refers to the fact that we are able to interact with people in these virtual worlds that link us together, however users are alone in the sense that they are doing so using a computer where users are typically alone. One of the benefits of Virtual worlds can be the anonymity of the users because they interact through a computer which can allow people to act freely without actually giving away their location and identity. Users are able to act freely without the sense of judgement being traced back to them. However, because of this anonymity, people often abuse this aspect and issues such as cyberbullying and cyberterrorism occurs because often times, these activities are difficult or impossible to trace. In CNN's article "After Second Life, Can Virtual Worlds Get a Reboot",  another possible benefit also suggesting the future of businesses is mentioned where using computers and video calling, a company is attempting to create a way for companies to gather for meetings using video calling which would not require people to actually be physically there. This could reduce travel time and improve efficiency. This is one of the ways Virtual Worlds will benefit the future of society. 

1. Going to the Virtual Office in Second Life, CNN.com: Nov 5, 2009http://www.cnn.com/2009/BUSINESS/11/05/second.life.virtual.collaboration/index.html
2. After Second Life, Can Virtual Worlds Get A Reboot. April 30, 2013. http://www.forbes.com/sites/dianemehta/2013/04/30/after-second-life-can-virtual-worlds-get-a-reboot/