Virtual worlds can model reality, especially for those with disabilities. For example, if someone has a disability that prevents them from going places, virtual classrooms can provide them an education that they would not have been able to get otherwise. Furthermore, virtual worlds like Second Life can provide an escape for people with disabilities, letting them live a life that's different than their own. However, it's a model of reality and not actual reality, which could probably result in some depression. In the future, I expect virtual worlds to evolve. Perhaps advanced camera or virtual reality software can allow people to feel like they truly are in another world.
Sources:
https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=sites&srcid=ZGVmYXVsdGRvbWFpbnxiYXJ1Y2huZXdtZWRpYXxneDo2ZTg5MGFiMmRkMzA4NjZm
http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/conditions/03/28/sl.autism.irpt/index.html#cnnSTCText
Interesting points about disability. I haven't thought about that type of application, as almost all of current technology are use for entertainment.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely agree that developers of virtual worlds should work towards people with disabilities. And as you mentioned they should be careful with it, sometimes people without disabilities can get into depression because real world is very different from virtual. So, these virtual worlds should only benefit them, and eliminate as much as possible negative sides. I think it is absolutely good idea.
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