Modern Realities Vs Virtual Worlds

Many people have never heard of Second Life although it isn't new. Perhaps the term is what hasn't been used much. It is a technology that allows users to create characters known as avatars, who are put into different life settings or environments that allow them to experience different things they aren't experiencing in real life. For example a tour around The Luv, or flying on a magic carpet in Egypt.

Aside from entertainment purposes, corporations have also benefited from it by using it to create virtual tours in the case of educational institutions. Other companies have used it for training purposes and business tasks such as virtual conferences.

The dark side can be seen with it being a way for people to live their fantasies, there is a danger of people not being able to differentiate between life and fiction and perhaps it can develop a sort of dependence. We must also consider that it may harm face to face communication and interpersonal communication skills. But the benefit on society can be seen when these technologies are being used to help the disabled in the case of autism and paralysis.

I believe a great benefit can be presented with this technology with government intelligence and Homeland security agencies in order to protect the country and the public from security breaches. simulated robberies and SWAT team strategies can be planned and rehearsed. And staff can be trained through this technology.