Modeling Reality with Virtual Worlds

Virtual worlds like Second life is becoming more and more popular. One can have the same or a completely different life than the one people have in real life. For instance, recession weary consumers are more cost savvy now, they are more hesitant when it comes to buying expensive brand name products in the real world; but for a small price you can buy all you want in the virtual world. "Ms. Tompkins, 37, a k a Ms. Mornington, lives in Brooklyn and is “on a budget like everyone else in the city.” Online, however, she has an inventory that Beyoncé might envy — some 40,000 items including shoes, handbags and other extras." In fact products sold in the virtual world amount to 1-2 billion in real dollars. (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/22/fashion/22Avatar.html?pagewanted=2)

According the CNN, businesses are using the virtual world as well; holding private virtual meetings. This cuts traveling expenses and allow people from all over the world to meet up and interact in a convenient location. (http://www.cnn.com/2009/BUSINESS/11/05/second.life.virtual.collaboration/index.html) I guess this is pretty similar to a chatroom, but now people will have their own avatar. Others will be able to see how creative you are by how you design and dress your avatar, making it more intimate than chatrooms.

Some of the cons to the virtual world are pretty much the same for social networking such as, there's nothing like face to face contact. One might get too caught up in it and start ignoring the real world, which can cause a lot of problems. Nevertheless, the virtual world is easier to maintain, one doesn't have to worry about going into debt in it or money for that matter (since everything costs much less). There are definitely many possibilities for the future of the virtual world, both with pros and cons. One idea that comes to mind is the movie "Surrogates", where people stop going outdoors and stop caring about personal hygiene's altogether, but now people with disabilities, such as someone without legs, will be able to feel the thrill of running (in the movie "Avatar" as well).