Modeling Reality with Virtual Worlds

To begin, virtual worlds merge two spheres together, creativity and community. These virtual worlds literally model reality, providing an alternate reality to the users. In this world, users can create their own identity. Another chance at life, whether they want to be exactly the same or completely different. There are numerous advantages that come with virtual worlds. This realistic environment allows users to emerge themselves to effectively and efficiently learn without the detrimental consequences. Virtual reality is used in many areas of healthcare. This can range from diagnosis, treatment, methods of rehab. It also can be used to teach incoming students in the medical field. "Immersive technologies provide alternative environments for situated learning, because an almost endless variety of virtual contexts are available, or can be created, that give users a sense of "being there," ... and thus, the ability to apply learning in a plausible, unique context," (Situated Learning in Virtual Worlds and Immersive Simulations". However, there are disadvantages in which it is very time consuming. According to "Virtual World May Impact Real-world Behaviour," users of the virtual world may implement their characters persona onto their owns. Whether the user decides to play as a hero or a villain will dictate if they reward or punish strangers. These virtual worlds foster creativity by allowing the user endless capabilities of creating their own realm, expressing their feelings, and sharing information with others. The future of technology can never be properly guessed, as it improves by the minute. However, I believe with how virtual worlds work now that the VRs could probably improve even more. One way it could improve is with the focus. The human eye is designed to focus especially at different distances and the VR is not capable of doing so yet. 

Citations:

Dawley, Lisa, and Chris Dede. "Situated Learning in Virtual Worlds and Immersive Simulations." N.p., n.d. Web.

"Virtual World May Impact Real-world Behaviour." Health24. N.p., 10 Feb. 2014. Web. 20 Mar. 2017.