Modeling Reality with Virtual Worlds
Virtual worlds are an amazing way to explore an alternative life through the use of a computer. Previously, you would have to read a fantasy novel or watch a movie to experience a fantasy world. But now, with video games such as Runescape or World of Warcraft, one can create a character in a virtual world and explore it through a different persona. The pros of this is that you can meet new people and make friends through these online games. You are technically anonymous by using a persona and pseudonym, which could make it easier to talk to others. But this anonymity can also be used negatively, and some players may choose to act rude or bully other players.
In the article "I’ve Been in That Club, Just Not in Real Life" by Dave Itzkoff, he states, "It took me several weeks before I was bold enough to dress my avatar in anything more daring than the white T-shirt and blue jeans he was issued; only recently I added a magenta sport coat, hip eyeglasses and an angular haircut called the Crispin to his ensemble." which is an example of how virtual worlds can help to foster creativity. Although it took weeks, he eventually switched to different clothing that was outside of the default outfit and that he thought would look cool. His girlfriend even stated "He looks like the cool version of you".
The future of virtual worlds will most likely be through the use of virtual reality (VR). Virtual reality headsets are an amazing invention which allows people to have a first person perspective in a different environment. In the game VR Life, you are able to choose an avatar and then hang out with other players who have also chosen their own avatars. The game also allows voice chat which allows you to omit typing, and makes conversations between players more "fluid".
Aside from socialization, education is another way that virtual worlds can be used. In the article, "The virtual world moves into the classroom" by Joe Earle, he states, " Students in several local schools are donning computer-connected goggles to enter virtual worlds or using computer tablets or smartphones to blend the real with the computer-generated. They’re taking virtual field trips to faraway places, learning about the lives of refugee families or studying the inner workings of volcanoes. Some are making their own VR products for use by others." Years from now, we might have classes that are done through VR, by allowing students to learn about geology or other sciences in locations they would not be able to access otherwise.
In the article "I’ve Been in That Club, Just Not in Real Life" by Dave Itzkoff, he states, "It took me several weeks before I was bold enough to dress my avatar in anything more daring than the white T-shirt and blue jeans he was issued; only recently I added a magenta sport coat, hip eyeglasses and an angular haircut called the Crispin to his ensemble." which is an example of how virtual worlds can help to foster creativity. Although it took weeks, he eventually switched to different clothing that was outside of the default outfit and that he thought would look cool. His girlfriend even stated "He looks like the cool version of you".
The future of virtual worlds will most likely be through the use of virtual reality (VR). Virtual reality headsets are an amazing invention which allows people to have a first person perspective in a different environment. In the game VR Life, you are able to choose an avatar and then hang out with other players who have also chosen their own avatars. The game also allows voice chat which allows you to omit typing, and makes conversations between players more "fluid".
Aside from socialization, education is another way that virtual worlds can be used. In the article, "The virtual world moves into the classroom" by Joe Earle, he states, " Students in several local schools are donning computer-connected goggles to enter virtual worlds or using computer tablets or smartphones to blend the real with the computer-generated. They’re taking virtual field trips to faraway places, learning about the lives of refugee families or studying the inner workings of volcanoes. Some are making their own VR products for use by others." Years from now, we might have classes that are done through VR, by allowing students to learn about geology or other sciences in locations they would not be able to access otherwise.
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