Modeling Reality with Virtual Worlds

A virtual world is defined as a computer based online community environment that is designed and shared by individuals so they can interact in a custom built simulated world. Different ways these virtual worlds can be utilized are in education, delivery services, or telehealthcare. The pros are social connection and learning for education, web browers being 3D enabled for businesses, and psychological healing spaces in healthcare. The cons can be a sense of isolation however, "in virtual worlds you are not alone together, you are really truly together connected by these bodily representations caused avatars." (After Second Life, Diane Mehta)

These virtual world offer the ability for creativity in the different ways it can be built and used. "Educational institutions, government agencies, and the U.S. military all use Second Life to hold meetings, conduct training and prototype new technologies more efficiently." (Going to the virtual office in second life) Businesses like IBM, are using virtual meeting tools that brings people together for collaboration and sharing ideas. This saves time and allows for easier engagement and sharing of ideas.