Modeling Reality with Virtual Worlds

Virtual worlds are a new concept in new media brought about by the advancement of technology. These software programs give its users the ability to create their own unique experiences. These virtual worlds can produce endless happenings being that they can be used so differently depending on the individual and type of virtual system that it is meant to project. Along with this, these virtual worlds can have many pros and cons depending on how they are used. Some pros are that virtual worlds can be used to make accurate simulations to prepare individuals for real life tasks or jobs, to make video games feel more realistic or to just serve as a break from reality to relieve stress. With the current virtual reality headset that is purchasable, users can have an in-game experience of their favorite childhood games such as Skyrim, virtually visit real places in the world that they wish to go. Some cons of virtual worlds are that they are usually very expensive, individuals can become addicted to escaping their reality through these programs and there could be some faulty features that would need to be fixed to make the experience more realistic.

The article “I’ve Been to That Club, Just Not in Real Life” by Dave Itzkoff discusses the writer’s preference of visiting the “Virtual Lower East Side” even though the actual club is right outside his door. This article presents many pros of virtual worlds for Itzkoff being that he can visit his favorite club from the comfort of his own house without having to deal with all of the annoying aspects that one would have to deal with in the physical, real world club. He does not have to deal with a crowded venue full of people or waiting on long line which are certainly some pros of this virtual world.

The article “Avatar II: The Hospital” by Stephanie Simon also presents some positive benefits of using virtual worlds. The medical field can be very intense and fast paced which can be difficult to adapt to. This article discusses how a virtual world in the program “Second Life” can be used by health-care facilities to train and prepare nurses for the chaotic environment that is likely on the actual hospital floors. Although this can help to prepare the nurses, it is still crucial for them to perform the same way in a real-life situation in the hospital.

References:

Itzkoff, Dave. “VLES - Lower East Side - MTV.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 6 Jan. 2008, www.nytimes.com/2008/01/06/arts/television/06itzk.html

Simon, Stephanie. “Avatar II: The Hospital.” The Wall Street Journal, Dow Jones & Company, 13 Apr. 2010, https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703909804575124470868041204?KEYWORDS=avatar+ii+the+hospital