Virtual worlds enable people to experiment with a variety of different experiences for a number of different purposes. A popular one known as Second Life is used primarily for the purpose of “hanging out” and socializing with other online users. According to Diane Mehta with Forbes.com, Second Life has also proven useful in the development of training and healing programs for military uses. By enabling soldiers to experience peaceful environments related to environments typically known for eliciting responses of fear, anguish, or anger, designers provide a way for soldiers to readjust their experience with said environments. They can also use these features to prepare them for potentially dangerous situations. Others experimenting with the benefits of Second Life in include the governmental, NGOs, and nonprofit organizations, according to Mike Musgrove. For example, several officials have held meetings in person while simultaneously logging into SL to understand the experience, understand any potential danger that could occur in the program, and discuss ways businesses could use the software.
Though SL is just one example, the possibilities in virtual worlds are exponential--they encourage creativity, allow people to experiment with various social environments, provide an innovative way of communicating, and can even be used to preserve/recreate history. Could virtual world serve as historically immersive programs in the future? Could it help those with mental illnesses overcome barriers to society? How could they help with other types of design such as architecture or interior design? The possibilities seem to be limited only by our imagination.
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