Modeling Reality with Virtual Worlds

Virtual world was just a gaming world to me until I did all the readings and saw the professor's video. We all know about how it is used in gaming industry, but for me it was really interesting to learn that businesses use virtual world to train new employees also. In virtual world,  people can be creative and develop their own imaginary world with everything they want, which can also be reffered to as a second life. 

Virtual world can be really beneficial to the people with physical disabilities. Imagine how amazing a person would feel who cannot stand on his feet, dancing or running in his second life. Moreover, it can also benefit to the business world, people can communicate(have meetings) with each other by using avatars no matter where they are. According to Linden Lab in the article Going to the virtual office in Second Life, "creators of Second Life, more than 1,400 organizations -- including large companies, educational institutions, government agencies and even the U.S. military -- use Second Life to hold meetings, conduct training and prototype new technologies more efficiently". In addition, toy industries are making profit by selling the virtual toys. The article Toys with a Second Life states, "Virtually every toy-industry heavy hitter is involved. Dollmaker Russ Berrie (RUS) is selling Webkinz-like Shining Stars at Toys 'R' Us and other major retailers". On the contrary, having an avatar can always not be so beneficial. There are different sorts of people and some avatars people use might offend others. It can sometimes cost you a lot of money. Children who use it to play on these virtual worlds can be hooked and spend huge time on these games instead of studying or doing some productive things. 

Virtual world allows people to interact in a very realistic way. Hence, people can be creative, let themselves go and apply it to the virtual world as they want things to be in the reality. I think that the concept of virtual world is very interesting and that it will influence all the gaming industries and businesses even more due to its awesome features in near future.