Week 5. Virtual Reality

The socialising that takes place in the 3D worlds within cyberspace is very different to the instant messenger site such as msn messenger and AIM. The 3D chat room environments are constructed to form a virtual world, whereby users can interact with each other usually via an avatar and form communities and social groups. Instant messenger and other such IM programs work on the basis of adding friends via email, usually people you know in real life, and chatting individually or in a group conversation. The set up is simple and easy to use through individual windows for each conversation and the use of personal display pictures or web cam. It does not create a virtual world but rather is more similar to sending a txt message through your computer. The virtual reality created by the 3D chat rooms inspire a different and unique form of socialising. Through the 3D reality like display and the personal avatars created, the socialising take on more of a real life form, by which users can interact emotionally and physically, without leaving their computer screens. Many users feel bolder and more comfortable through the use of avatars than they would feel in real life social situations. Therefore, the varieties of interaction through this social portal are wide. I have heard and read stories about the use of Secondlife and am slightly worried about the context of the interaction between users. It scares me that in these virtual realities anything is possible and things that would be frowned upon or even illegal such as sexual misconduct can take place. Yes, the decision in in the 'mouse clicks' of each user, but can entering these virtual words obscure what is actual reality and virtual reality in the minds of some users?