Virtual worlds have changed the way people live their lives positively as well as negatively. A virtual world is a separate, second world life that someone has created for himself or herself on the Internet. People usually create characters and profiles that resemble their real identities.
The pros of virtual worlds allow people to do things that they can't do in real life. A video on Youtube titled “A Second Life on Second Life” shows a person that isn’t able to walk and is disabled. A virtual world, however, allows her to be able to virtually visit places that she can't in real life such as museums. Her virtual world even gives her the opportunity to dance. A virtual world is also a great place for people with similar struggles to come together and speak to one another. An article “iReport: 'Naughty Auties' battle autism with virtual interaction” from CNN written by Nicole Saidi states "one benefit is that visitors can practice social interaction and find information about the condition. The graphical representations of real people create a ‘comfort zone’ that can coax users out of their shells and get them communicating with others.” In other words, victual worlds allow people with disorders, such as autism, to speak with one another. People who with disorders usually struggle with interacting with others because of their condition. Virtual worlds allow these people to experience or practice things first in their second lives that would later help them in real life. People with autism can visit these virtual worlds and find others who can relate to their stories and understand them.
Despite virtual worlds being a great place for people to interact with others and learning, there are some cons about this kind of interaction. We can't base our life solely on what’s happening virtually. We need real human relationships and interactions in life in order to not feel lonely. When someone logs out of the virtual world, that person may still feel a sense of loneliness. The online interactions only last for a limited time when using the computer. Even though virtual worlds allow people to socialize, it is not the same feeling or experience people get when they socialize with real people. Even if they are able to visit bars and clubs in this second world, they can't physically drink and dance with someone. This world lacks real, genuine feelings and emotions. In addition, virtual worlds are also a place where cyber bullying or theft/scams may occur. One may never know who is on the other side of the computer. Some people may bully others and some may use it as a place to scam and launder money from people who are too trusting.
Nevertheless, the virtual world isn’t limited to interactions with others; it can also be used creatively. In the article “Avatar II: The Hospital” by Stephanie Simon from the Wall Street Journal states that “In addition to the disaster drills, Second Life is increasingly being used to train medical and nursing students in clinical skills.” Virtual world simulation can help nurses prepare for real life emergencies and also help them prepare for their jobs in a real hospital. This gives them a head-start and practice on actually nursing patients. So when they are on the hospital floor caring for their patients, they have an idea of what they’re doing and isn’t totally new to it. Another way virtual worlds can be creative is with business press conferences. Instead of having everyone in the same room during a conference, people can be in the comforts of their own home while attending conferences with their coworkers and executives. It gets the same work done but more efficiently. Virtual worlds can also take it to another level by having virtual school campuses. People with disabilities who find it difficult to commute and/or walking from class to class or even people who don’t have to time to attend actual school may join a virtual campus to pursue their education. This world when used creatively for these and other purposes can make people’s lives easier.
Even though there are some concerns when using virtual worlds, I still think that virtual worlds would grow in the future and maybe even improve and find ways to address these concerns. The virtual world is more cost-effective than real life training. Virtual worlds can help police officers, firefighters and EMS workers train for emergency situations. It’s a good source for practicing these drills without arranging an actual time and place for people to meet. Also, people with disorders are always looking to connect with others and virtual worlds allow them to find people similar to them and form friendships and relationships. Virtual world will always be a place where people can interact with one another. It’s likely that more and more people will start using virtual worlds. It is like a 3-D Facebook or real life SIMS where people can talk to their friends and do activities with them on-line.
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