Cyberspace

Discussion

Virtual Worlds

Virtual worlds can range from simple text based 'Dungeon and Dragons' type games to more complex graphical presentations of fantasy worlds with life-like avatars. It is possible to inhabit these worlds and invent new persona for oneself, spending time in cyberspace with other like-minded individuals, building communities and developing relationships.

Such environments can provide an interesting insight into patterns of individual and group behaviour that can occur when the real-world rules of society are suspended. Pavel Curtis has observed that

"Social behavior on MUDs [Multi-user Dungeons] is in some ways a direct mirror of behavior in real life, …and in some ways very new and different, taking root in the new opportunities that MUDs provide over real life." (Curtis P, 1997, p125)

Virtual Reality

This can be defined as a virtual environment where, by the use of special headsets and clothing, people's senses can be convinced that they are actually experiencing a computerised environment. These immersive techniques are being further developed for use in medical situations, particularly psychotherapy. Dr. Ralph Lamson, a pioneer in such therapy treatments, has described the use of immersive techniques in the treatment of certain phobias (Lamson R, transcript T209 CD). Patients are able to experience and come to terms with their fears in a safe, controlled environment.

Non-immersive virtual reality uses a keyboard or joystick to allow interaction. An interesting example of the use of this technique is seen in the work of an Oxford University post-graduate student, Oliver Adcock.(Live_Chem,n.d.) He has developed a website that enables students to test out the combination of certain chemical reactions by 'virtually' mixing two chemicals together to show a virtual reaction happening. The University of Manchester's Computer Science department have a whole group devoted to the investigation of virtual reality as a research tool into such diverse subjects as phantom limb pain and radiation therapy. (The Advanced Interfaces Group, 2006)

Virtual Communities

The MSN virtual community is a phenomenon recognised by many parents and teachers and has raised some concern in the press about the uses to which such a virtual community may be put. However it provides an extension to the social interaction of teenagers, a secret, virtual supportive community where physical appearance is not used to categorise an individual.

Health advisory sites such as NetDoctor.co.uk provide links to online support networks for people who may otherwise feel alone coping with either their own or their family member's illness.

Many virtual communities are developed from a shared common interest and provide a link to support wherever you may be in real space. Geographical location is no longer an issue as it has become as easy for someone in Milton Keynes to talk to another in Beijing as it is to trot next door to your neighbour - maybe even easier as cyberspace can provide anonymity.

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