Modeling Reality with Virtual Worlds

     In a virtual world, programmers can create their own computer-based environment. Users entering this environment can not only interact with the other people in this particular online community, but also with the created objects in the environment itself. In most virtual worlds, each user becomes an avatar, a simulated 3-d representation of themselves. The pros of such a platform being many, but most notably the ability to make decisions based in virtually rendered concepts, enabling users to reform, reshape, and reset decisions, an element not found in the real world. The ability for personal interaction with others and information sharing seems endless. As reported by Nicole Saidi of CNN, David Savill (a person living with Asperger's Syndrome, created a virtual world called Naughty Auties, the goal being to serve those with autism and their families. As he explained, "visitors can practice social interaction and find information about the condition. The graphical representations of real people create a "comfort zone" that can coax users out of their shells and get them communicating with others."(iReport: 'Naughty Auties' battle autism with virtual interaction) The ability to create gorgeous environments and create a comfortable platform for people to share information with a world-wide community is one of the biggest advantages of a virtual world.
     A few of the negatives that are being mentioned about virtual worlds is the idea that they have the capability to allow people to launder money, and the concern over the safety of children. Most of the examples I have personally seen have come through the use of online gaming. While measures have been taken to prevent these cases, they are not fully developed, and money laundering through the selling of virtual items as well as children being subject to adult humor and language are common place.

"We have never seen any evidence of such activity going on in Second Life," Philip Rosedale, Linden's chief executive, said of the possibility of criminals using Second Life to launder money. Rosedale argued that Second Life is a self-policing community and that users would likely be quick to report any behavior that seemed to indicate users posed real-world threats.(Washington Post article: At Hearing, Real and Virtual Worlds Collide) 

I truly believe the future of Virtual Worlds will grow and flourish. The positives will outweigh the negatives, and the use of virtual reality will save more lives than it will endanger them. Other than its use for entertainment purposes, virtual worlds have the capability to help scientists explore worlds they otherwise couldn't explore. It can help rescue units survey wreckage before they send their units in. Engineers and architects will be able to fully realize their dreams and imaginations before putting shovel to dirt.