Modeling Reality With Virtual Worlds

Virtual worlds are representations of reality (Friedman). The use of virtual worlds can extend from simple creativity to sophisticated corporate use. One good way in which big corporations are using virtual worlds is by integrating them to their personnel training. Virtual worlds may help new employees prepare with simulated real life situations. As stated by IBM vice president Ted Hoff, "[New IBM employees] can learn real-life working skills such as signing up for benefits, developing code as part of a global team, and ramping up sales skills before they meet with IBM clients” (Frauenheim). Moreover, virtual worlds can help poeple with different health problems such as autism. Poeple with autism can go into virtual worlds and interact with other people which in real life it is difficult for them to do so (Saidi). As Volkmar states, "there is clearly considerable potential in use of new technologies for fostering social skills" which in this case virtual worlds (Saidi). The benefits of using this technology is that it can greatly increase communication skills which are essential in the work place and life in general. In addition, this technology can expand different ways on how to treat patients with certain disorders that prevent them from socializing with different people.