Modeling Reality with Virtual Worlds

A virtual world is a technology-focused simulated environment that allows for more convenient human interaction. There are many different ways these virtual worlds can be used. Nowadays, more corporations and companies are starting to use virtual worlds and communities for conferences and remote meetings. "As travel budgets are squeezed and slashed in the recession, companies are seeking innovative ways of bringing employees together for conferences and meetings remotely." (Tutton 1) So rather than paying for a plane trip or hotel room, you can simply imitate a meeting or conference just with your desktop or laptop. A virtual world is great because it maintains the physical aspect of face to face communication. One example of a virtual community is Second Life, who is "seeking to tap into that market by creating a new tool that allows businesses to have virtual meetings on their own computer networks." (Tutton 1) Virtual worlds are great because it promotes the ability to collaborate effectively using virtual tools, a skill that is becoming increasingly important as technology offers more options. Not only that, virtual worlds also foster creativity. Take Minecraft for example; its digital LEGOs allow "space for kids to exercise their imagination and to connect with others to also want to build and create things. And it's the biggest phenomenon today." (Mehta 2) In the future, I think virtual worlds will become increasingly sophisticated in that the physical aspect will be a game-changer, and the ways virtual worlds will be utilized includes education, and social connectivity.