Week 8- 3D Worlds and Socialising on the Internet

This week is a discussion about the qualitative and socialising differences between the chatting programs/sites, such as MSN and ActiveWorlds.

Qualitative
*For one, MSN is a 2D environment, where the user only has a 'Avatar' or a small picture, to show their identity. ActiveWorlds (and other 3D messenger sites) allows a user to create their own 3D character, whether to look like the user or something completely the opposite.

*MSN has limited ability of usage for businesses, as it does not allow a user to explore the various products or other variables at their own free will. They would have to wait till someone uploads the file to be downloaded during the chat, and, even then, the user cannot see what the product is until they upload the file. Activeworlds enables a user to explore products, etc, without having to download any files, nor wait to see their upload one at a time on the screen. It is just a matter of looking through the 3D world's already uploaded files like a shopping mall window, to be able to browse at will.

*Game playing has also changed the qualitiative differences, with ActiveWorlds creating a whole environment for players, creating the mood and so on. MSN just uses the basic computer versions of games, such as chess, etc.

*Emoticons!! MSN- cute little moving faces. 3D worlds- little people that do whatever you command them to do.

Socialising
*With MSN, you have an idea on who you are talking to due to the user's email being displayed after their chosen Display Name. With 3D world sites, the user's email is usually not displayed, depending on the user's preference, and you would generally talk to absolute strangers.

*The 3D environment sort of has a more engaging environment when it comes to socialising, due to the 3D world, activities, and seeing other 'people' within those worlds. With MSN, all you see is an Avatar/picture, which is supposed to be a way of creating an identity within the IM program.

Overall, the 3D environment does create a difference due to the extra features and activites that is available, along with the customary character that is a representative of the user. The downside, however, is the potential risk that comes when talking to complete strangers online. It may be an 'upgrade' from the 2D environment MSN, but MSN is mostly used between people who know each other- 3D environment chat sites are just like normal 2D chat sites on the internet, just with the extra bells and whistles attatched.