Week 5 - Field Trip

In my opinion 3D IM environments are drastically different from the regular MSN style IM programs. In the 3D virtual reality environments people behave in a way that mimics real life. They can get jobs and make money, meet people and get married, buy and sell, and socalise in environments that are similar to the clubs, parks and shops of reality. Regular IM on the other hand is merely a form of conversing. People can lie in conversation about who they really are but in virtual world the lie extends to behavior and appearance.

It is possible for the events in a 3D IM to cross over into reality; more so than in a program like MSN. For example people can spend real money in these created worlds; they can invest, go bankrupt and make real money. This opens up the possibility of businesses within this worlds. People can also engage in sexual behaviour that goes beyond the boundries imposed by regular IM's. It has been seen that the trauma of rape within this 3D world can cross over into reality and effect the person sitting in front of a computer. So should the laws of reality be enforcable within a 'game' or program?