Modeling Reality With Virtual Worlds

     Virtual worlds have become a means of escaping from reality for many. In the virtual world life tends to be less hectic, more exciting and more or less things go the way you want them to. In the article "I’ve Been in That Club, Just Not in Real Life" by Dave Itzoff he writes "I walked a few blocks to my apartment on Avenue A, turned on my computer, directed a small, pixelated representation of myself to enter a small, pixelated representation of Cake Shop, and rejoined the show." Now, Dave can sit back in the comfort of his own apartment and still in the virtual sense, be a part of the crowd. Virtual worlds have become more advanced and have sparked the interest of many out there. They can be used for several different purposes such as interacting with people that are interested in the same things you are, help brands, musicians, and shops gain publicity, and fostering free spirit and creativity. In Mark Tutton's article, "Going to the virtual office in Second Life" he mentions that"Virtual community Second Life is seeking to tap into that market by creating a new tool that allows businesses to have virtual meetings on their own computer networks." Which is a more productive way of utilizing virtual worlds.
     Depending on who you ask the pros of virtual worlds will vary. I believe virtual worlds can inspire creativity and imagination by allowing users to create their own worlds and avatars that reflect their creative side, provide an escape from the hardships reality, and can build a unique community with which you find comfort and belonging to. A major con of virtual worlds is that it can be addicting and take over a person's real life. Virtual worlds that people create will always be better than reality because it is one's own perfect imaginary world. The sense that they can have whatever they want, when they want in that virtual space can be an addicting concept that can drive people away from reality. They can easily loose sight of the reality.
     The future of virtual worlds will most likely be more sophisticated and advanced than it currently is. It would be nice to see virtual worlds play more of an active role in people's lives in ways that will make their real lives easier. Meshing the two worlds and finding a balance would allow people to experience the best of both worlds, which I believe can be possible as more innovative concepts are introduced to society.