Virtual worlds is a fascinating new reality that can be used in so many aspects of life today including virtual business, pleasure, education, healthcare, travel, sports and even politics. Although it is not physical, a virtual world can have profound effects on real human life. Virtual worlds foster creativity by opening doors of endless possibilities; as far as the imagination can go. In the flesh people are limited in various capacities unlike the virtual world. An example of such is the ability to fly or be a superhero who saves the world.
Some pros of virtual worlds are that they allow people a different and possibly better life. In one of the readings on 'second life', physically disabled people have the opportunity to experience a world without their disabilities. Virtual communities can help people with social anxiety disorders, provide support groups and even companionship for the lonely. The virtual world of Minecraft is a great learning tool for kids where they can use imagination to create and improve cognitive abilities. There are cons of virtual worlds too. The fact that it is not real and people make it their reality can pose issues in the physical world. Regardless of who one's avatar is or how powerful, successful, brilliant or good-looking it may be, it remains just an avatar. People can become so connected to their avatars that they lose grasp of reality in the flesh. More real world problems arise where people fail to disconnect from their virtual worlds or where virtual worlds have transformed people.
There is a promising future for virtual worlds as more people catch on and as designers of the virtual worlds continue to be creative. Virtual travel might be a norm because people will have the ability to visit and experience places without actually going there; for instance taking space walks.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/dianemehta/2013/04/30/after-second-life-can-virtual-worlds-get-a-reboot/
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