Modeling Reality With Virtual Worlds

Virtual worlds can be used in a variety of fields such as business, medicine, the military, in the classroom, in our social lives, by handicapped individuals, and by politicians. Through the use of virtual reality (VR), a simulated version of the world (either real or fictional) is rendered for users to interact with at any time to carry out a specific purpose or just for simple amusement. This technology can give individuals a sense of happiness and excitement over being able to control a virtual representation of themselves with the use of an avatar.

The ways that the virtual world can be used are numerous and far reaching. As explained in the Washington Post article “At Hearing, Real and Virtual Worlds Collide,” politicians were able to use Second Life to live stream and hold a congressional subcommittee hearing regarding online virtual worlds. This open channel of communication between outside participants and politicians can help to convey ideas and suggestions to those in power. In the business world, companies can now bring different groups of workers together for meetings and conferences. In the CNN article “Going to the Virtual Office in Second Life,” Second Life as well as IBM’s virtual meeting platform called Sametime 3D is utilized in order for employees to conduct meetings with individuals from around the world. In a school setting, VR is used as a supplement to normal teaching tactics in order to enrich the learning experiences of students during relevant lectures and lessons. In the Reporter Newspapers article “The virtual world moves into the classroom,” students being taught about King Louis XIV were treated to a virtual walkthrough of Versailles. This saves thousands of dollars in actually traveling to France as students experience the palace virtually. In one’s social life, virtually experiencing big cities such as New York City may help to determine if one wants to commit to actual travel to that desired city. In addition, those who are unfamiliar with the city can benefit from walking around in this virtual world without endangering themselves. As demonstrated in The New York Times article “I’ve Been in That Club, Just Not in Real Life,” the author was able to navigate through a 3D rendered version of Manhattan’s Lower East Side as a virtual representation of himself. Landmarks such as specific notable restaurants, streets, and bars also enrich the on-screen experience. Finally, handicapped individuals are free to communicate with people in these virtual worlds and develop a sense of connection from conversations with others.

There are both pros and cons in the ways that these virtual worlds are used by real people. The pros of the virtual world are that it establishes open communication and easy collaboration between fellow users in all of the applications discussed above. This discussion and collaborative effort between members of these platforms are generally less expensive than meeting in real life since there is no travel cost. Finally, positive socialization as well as a sense of belonging, inclusion, and contentment develops if the technology is used properly. However, there are drawbacks to the use of this technology in the virtual world. There is still a stigma that this technology is mainly for entertainment purposes only. Any problems or disruptions in the underlying software can lead to disruptions in user functionality, and productivity can quickly plummet to a low level in business related environments. In a learning environment, the overreliance on VR in teaching students can become distracting or detract from a lesson if used incorrectly. Finally, when individuals at business meetings disagree with one another’s viewpoint, impromptu or informal conversations cannot occur because they are not physically in the same location.

Creativity regarding virtual worlds is fostered through being able to apply virtual worlds to whatever one wants to do in their lives whether it be for personal or professional uses. In addition, one is able to select and personalize their individual avatar that can range from being accurate to taking liberties and making a fun but nonrealistic caricature of oneself. In the future, virtual worlds will become a bigger part of everyone’s lives. One specific application is through this technology being revitalized by younger and more tech savvy politicians for use in political campaigns and through the gathering of individuals who want to rally support for one specific candidate or in support of certain political issues. Both virtual and similar real-world campaigns can be conducted at any specific place and time. Another application of the virtual world can be done through the use of VR by technologically literate teachers and professors as a supplement for specific lessons in schools to help students visualize what is being taught in class. Personally, I would like for grade school and high school students to be able to experience VR as it is a relatively inexpensive technology that is fun to use and does not take much time to set up in a school.

References:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2008/04/01/ST2008040103032.html

http://www.cnn.com/2009/BUSINESS/11/05/second.life.virtual.collaboration/index.html

https://www.reporternewspapers.net/2018/09/14/the-virtual-world-moves-into-the-classroom/

https://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/06/arts/television/06itzk.html