There are many virtual reality sites that can be used for a variety of
purposes. Virtual worlds have a multitude of uses, because of their creative
aspect. Users have a great deal of control of the virtual world they choose to
enter into and how they will use it. Virtual Worlds are attractive because of
the ability to escape from your own life. Want to be fit? Want to be able
to shop for designer clothing? Want to watch a live band performing across the
country? Do you not have the means for social interactions? Well virtual
reality may be your answer. Saidi’s article focuses on how virtual worlds have
provided a space for the autistic community to interact. Itzkoff’s article details
how one virtual site provides users with a Lower East Side neighborhood experience.
For the two communities these articles focus on their obvious
pros and for Itzkoff’s a few subtle, and for Saidi’s may be not so obvious, cons.
One user of “Naughty Auties, a virtual resource center for
those with autism” within SecondLife, says "one benefit is that visitors can
practice social interaction and find information about the condition”. This
real world representation allows those with autism to work on their
communication skills and makes them comfortable before actually entering real
world situations, if needed. The site also helps autistic users with other
social and emotional problems they may have. They may no longer feel alone with
their condition, and they may feel more comfortable opening up to those with the
same issues. One potential con is that autistics may become overly comfortable,
and may not want to actually enter into the real world and interact.
Itzkoff’s article is about the Virtual Lower East Side site.
According to him it “feels like a mash-up of Facebook and Grand Theft Auto,
with a dash of the indie-rock Web site Pitchfork thrown in for good measure”. There
is mention of one pro of virtual realities in this article: “There’s no way
that you’re going to go onto a flat Web site or message board and instantly
strike up a conversation with somebody who works for MTV or I.B.M. or the
president of Harvard”. This site in specific allows bands and clubs a way to
promote themselves, users may come across them on the site and decide to
actually go and visit them in real life. Their reach to fans also increases,
because those who may not be able to physically visit, can still enjoy from the
comfort of their homes. One problem that many have with this site is that the
site has control over what is presented, while these are actual places who
should be able to control it themselves. Another issues some have is, “how can
the area retain its mystery if anyone with a computer can experience some
fraction of it”? Itzkoff himself has found himself exploring the LES through
this site despite living in this neighborhood! Many however do not see this as
a con, as they feel any interactions you have on the site are as real as any
you have in the real world.
In these worlds you are able to create yourself and the
world you are in. You can alter your appearance, your clothes, your wallet is
no longer a strict limitation on what you can obtain and where you can go in
these worlds. The communication capabilities also you up to thousands of other
users and how they potentially will or already do use the site. You can learn
of other sites they may be a part of and join yourself if it is of interest. I
think virtual worlds may soon be created for all types of situations. Those for
the purpose of online dating: may be at a virtual supermarket or a bookstore
(where you can actually purchase/read books)? May be a site for professionals
or at the workplace.
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