For this tutorial task we are required to check out a 3D chatroom site, and discuss the qualatative differences between the socialising that happens in these spaces and in normal IM sites.
The site I browsed was - www.secondlife.com
Let me just start by with the first word that came to my mind when I logged onto secondlife...fantasy.
"From the moment you enter the World you'll discover a vast digital continent, teeming with people, entertainment, experiences and opportunity. Once you've explored a bit, perhaps you'll find a perfect parcel of land to build your house or business. " - the creators.
Second life seems identical to the whole concept of SIMS, yet it is simultaniously interactive. With the current technology, it is the closest thing you can have to real people scenarios. Not quite cartoon and not quite real, just add your imagination and it could almost be real.
Note users that this is on the internet.
This seems to be the appeal, i.e, you can create your dream world and live through it with all the senses involved. Basically the user is submersed into second Life. This seems to be the difference between technologies such as IM and 3d chatting, submersion into another world. Whether it is a perfect world, ideal or grossly vulgar, users can create and live-out their fantasy.
It is the visual, movement, colour, activity and purpose that seems to differentiate second life from 2d IM. I.e. you can actually see what you are saying in action, project you opinions for others to see, and create a world where you can live a life ( buy, sell, build, love etc).
However, the problem with submersion (while it can be fun I admit), is that you can sink. Being addicted, substituting for real life are not problems normal IM has as much.
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