Internet Field Trip.

Today, for your excitement and pleasure, I will be answering not one, BUT TWO! Questions!

Besides the obvious differences (such as ActiveWorlds is 3D and MSN isn't, etc) what are the qualitative differences between the regular IM program and a 3D environment?

A 3D environment is played much more like a game, such as the Sims, but more realistic in the fact you can "buy" and interact with your neighbours. In an IM program it is more reality based as there is no virtual world you inhabit like a 3D environment, and you react with people more on a realistic level rather than a gameplay level. IM programs are like a telephone or text messages in the way people communicate, whereas in a 3D environment is more like your standard virtual interactive game.

What is different about the kinds of socialising that happens in these spaces? Does the 3D aspect make much difference?

I think a 3D aspect makes a world of difference, literally. I think the 3D environment is more impersonal, due to the fact that people can interact with total strangers more than on IM. On IM programs such as MSN Messenger you need to know a person's email to contact them, and the person would have to accept the invitation to contact them. On the other hand a 3D Environment does not involve this personal aspect and people are free to talk to anyone.

Are there things that are possible in one space that are not possible in the other?

Yes, the opportunity for gameplay is not really possible on IM, unless you use the game function on MSN Messenger, which isn't really the same as a virtual world. There's also the chance to "be somebody else" in a virtual world, as the other players, if not playing with friends, have no idea who you are because you are playing with a username, not an email or real name in some cases.

Could you think of where this sort of application might lead us?

I could see the world becoming very impersonal if we all chat on a virtual world. I think in a way it's a form of escapism in many eyes from the turmoils and stresses of the real world. In that way this kind of environment can become addictive and maybe a 3D environment could lead people to not face reality at all and become in debt, or face other problems. The fact that you have to pay for some features is absolutely ridiculous, this may lead to these worlds becoming exclusive and expensive.

Okay, well that ended up being four questions. Oops.