Modeling Reality with Virtual Worlds

There are many pros and cons of virtual reality. It can be beneficial to people who struggle with socializing in person and helps them create a alter ego giving them more confidence. David Savill who has Asperger's syndrome says that one benefit of these virtual worlds is that visitors can practice social interaction and find information about the condition. It can be a tool to bring people together that is more relaxed. However, there are a bunch of news stories regarding online predators going on these websites and looking for their next victim. According to Forbes, children age 5-15 own at least half of those accounts. They’re using these worlds for entertainment, social connection, and learning. This leaves them susceptible to predators. People live vicariously through their avatar and get trapped in a virtual world that is not real. I think in the future people will get more creative, people have made renditions of museums, and communities which fosters a lot of creativity. They can also possibly turn 3D with new virtual glasses.

Mehta, Diane. “After Second Life, Can Virtual Worlds Get a Reboot?” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 1 May 2013, www.forbes.com/sites/dianemehta/2013/04/30/after-second-life-can-virtual-worlds-get-a-reboot/#61b13cb735a4.

Saidi, Nicole. “IReport: 'Naughty Auties' Battle Autism with Virtual Interaction.” CNN, Cable News Network, 28 Mar. 2008, www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/conditions/03/28/sl.autism.irpt/index.html#cnnSTCText.