Though virtual worlds have been around for years, they have not been as popular with general internet users as Facebook or Twitter has. However, these worlds have been utilized by a smaller sector of users which have put it to great use. For example, hospitals have begun using virtual worlds to train staff. Using a virtual world platform such as Second Life is much more inexpensive then hiring actors to play patients. It is also much more interactive and immersive. Nurses can control an avatar and walk through corridors, check patients and set up triage centers, rather than sitting around a table staring at dioramas with figurines. Doctors controlling the patients and monitoring the nurses can throw in unexpected scenarios such as a catastrophe that would test the nurses skills. This can all be done on Second Life where a hospital can rent virtual land, build their virtual hospital (price depends on specifications), and maintain control of their virtual facilities for a few hundred dollars a month in "rent". Some programmers have even made a business out of this by creating generic buildings for one-time or short-term use available for daily "rent". (Avatar II: The Hospital)
A man from England developed a new use for Second Life 3 years ago. He created Naughty Auties, an online community that allows individuals living with autism spectrum disorders to communicate/socialize with others. This virtual world allows people who would otherwise have trouble going out in public and socializing in person, to meet others and carry conversations through the privacy of their home. (iReport: 'Naughty Auties' Tackle Autism With Virtual Interaction)
The use of virtual worlds however, comes with both pros and cons. Although using virtual worlds to train employees or students can be much cheaper, some employees or students may live in suburban areas where the internet connection may be slower. Others may not be very familiar with computers and may have difficulty learning to use one. Naughty Auties is a great benefit because it not only allows individuals living with autism to socialize, but allows their friends, family, doctors, coworkers, and many others to do so as well. However, I'm always afraid that individuals with negative intentions can use virtual worlds such as Second Life to prey on others. Because your identity can be hidden, you can become anyone you want and talk to others. For example, a child predator can go onto Webkinz World (although the site says their chat rooms are controlled) pretending to be a child and interact with other young children. (Toy With a Second Life)
Virtual Worlds do however foster and encourage creativity. One example is the Hotel Chelsea which has changed over the years. One creative visitor from out of town took pictures during his stay and went home and created the hotel in Second Life. He created the hotel to reflect it's roots and times of the past, including the former hotel manager, rather than what it has become today. (In Room 100, It's Sid and Nancy All Over Again)
Though I think virtual worlds have become more popular over the years, I do not think it will be as big of a hit as Facebook has become in terms of online social media. I cannot imagine creating an avatar and walking it through streets and buildings to talk to people and read status updates or look at pictures. I do however, see RPG games gaining in popularity, especially with new technological advancements.
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