Modeling Reality with Virtual Worlds
Virtual worlds is a simulation that is technology based, individuals can create a community online. The simulation mimics the real world, but users are more free. In “After Second Life, Can Virtual Worlds Get a Reboot?,” Diane Mehta explains how virtual worlds is a great space for individuals that feel alone, can come together and form a community. Children are one of the top users, they use virtual worlds for entertainment, social connection, and learning. Virtual worlds next upgrade is having it 3D enabled, which will be huge for business opportunities.
One of the benefits of virtual world is users can practice social interaction. Seeing real people in the virtual simulation can help people can get out of their comfort zone. In “iReport: 'Naughty Auties' battle autism with virtual interaction,” Nicole Saidi illustrates how important this is for people with autism or Asperger's syndrome. People with Asperger's syndrome have a hard time in social situations. In addition, virtual world is being used for education, delivery services, and healthcare. An issue of virtual world is the safety of children. Many children are going online, and there isn’t enough supervision from their parents. The character that users make on the website can affect their actual behavior in real world situations.
Although people are questioning the safety of children, virtual worlds create a space for children to foster creativity. Mehta states how Minecraft creates a space for kids imaginations to go wild and a place to connect with others, by building and creating things. Virtual worlds is still developing, and there are high expectations for it. With technology constantly advancing, virtual worlds also have the potential to become even bigger and better.
Sources:
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/.
iReport: 'Naughty Auties' battle autism with virtual interaction by Nicole Saidi, CNN, March 28, 2008. available from:http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/conditions/03/28/sl.autism.irpt/index.html#cnnSTCText.
One of the benefits of virtual world is users can practice social interaction. Seeing real people in the virtual simulation can help people can get out of their comfort zone. In “iReport: 'Naughty Auties' battle autism with virtual interaction,” Nicole Saidi illustrates how important this is for people with autism or Asperger's syndrome. People with Asperger's syndrome have a hard time in social situations. In addition, virtual world is being used for education, delivery services, and healthcare. An issue of virtual world is the safety of children. Many children are going online, and there isn’t enough supervision from their parents. The character that users make on the website can affect their actual behavior in real world situations.
Although people are questioning the safety of children, virtual worlds create a space for children to foster creativity. Mehta states how Minecraft creates a space for kids imaginations to go wild and a place to connect with others, by building and creating things. Virtual worlds is still developing, and there are high expectations for it. With technology constantly advancing, virtual worlds also have the potential to become even bigger and better.
Sources:
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/.
iReport: 'Naughty Auties' battle autism with virtual interaction by Nicole Saidi, CNN, March 28, 2008. available from:http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/conditions/03/28/sl.autism.irpt/index.html#cnnSTCText.
I completely agree that platforms like Second Life can help people overcome some social anxieties and give them a space for interaction! As a kid I used to love games similar to this because it gave me a space to make cute avatars and make new friends! I think with proper parental supervision and safety controls, virtual worlds are a great place for kids to explore their creativity, play some games, and make some new friends!
ReplyDeleteVirtual realities is definitely a smart way to help children who suffer from Autism and Aspergers, which can help them with social issues they struggle with. I also agree that even though it is helping children, it is also affecting them with the lack of supervision with children. I believe children are more vulnerable to online predators and visuals that are intended for mature audiences. As long as there is a good amount of supervision, virtual reality should continue to foster their creativity and challenge their brains.
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