3D worlds and socialising on the internet!

In today's tutorial task we actually got to take part in the online 3D world, a world in which most of us hadn't visted before. Might I say, i loved every minute of it! Walking around as a fictional character, talking to random people that claim to live on the other side of the world in such places as Canada and America etc all interacting at one place. It was FUN! A totally different experience from that of other online instant messaging programs such as MSN Messenger.

During the tutorial I explored the 3D world of "Active World"...I installed jst the basic version onto the uni computer, and it gave you a standard character that looked the same as everyone else. But im sure if you wish, you could create a character to replicate yourself as closely as possible. I know this is definately available on other programs such as Second Life.

Besides the obvious difference between 3D Worlds and instant messaging programs such as MSN, the whole concept completly changes when you have the visual aspect. I have not explored any other forms of 3D worlds apart from active world, so I am only commenting from this one prospective. MSN Messenger I believe is a more safer form of communication than 3D worlds because you have the option of chosing who you talk to by accepting them as friends/contacts. This way you can if you wish, only accept people you know which then creates a safe environment for conversation. However, Active World is different. Here anyone can talk to anyone and find out who you are and where you live, etc if they wish and if they tell you the details. I find this kind of environment less safe, as you really have no idea who you are talking to.

As meantioned before, I said you could create a character in the Active World to resemble you if so desired, which many may see as an added bonus. Yet many instant messaging programs have a webcam or video and audio option where you can visually talk and respond to people, making it even more personal. So even though in active world u can visually walk around, you still have the option to use visuals on MSN if you so wish to.

I guess people who wish to just randomly talk to anyone or are just bored and wish to social, these kind of people would benefit from 3D Worlds because you can meet new people and talk to anyone. But for people who want to socialise and catch up in a more private way with friends etc, online instant messaging through MSN would be a much more advisable option.

Therefore, both forms of communication can have a visual aspect if desired. This is why overall i would rather use MSN to communicate to my friends because i feel as if it is a safer environment and I know who i am talking to.