week 8 10-12

Hey everybody, it’s been awhile since of posted a blog but I’ll be doing a couple of blogs in a short time so, here we go.

This tutorial task required me to go on an internet field trip to 3D Instant messaging websites, and then answer a question on what differences these 3D IM’s have to regular IM’s like MSN.

Firstly, the most obvious answer would be that there is a 3D environment. But what else the 3D IM offers is a whole different way of socialising, to which a regular IM cannot replicate. A IM like MSN is purely what it is, a instant messaging chatroom, but you can customise and choose your contacts etc. But a 3D IM like Activeworlds allows for something entirely different. You don’t just talk to your friends but you interact with them in a 3D environment. You can play games, something which is also featured in a regular IM but not to this extent. Build yourself a 3D reality as activeworlds say. You can explore and shop while you meet all sorts of people. You can customise many things such as avatars.

The one feature that stands out the most for me that is very different is the actual exploring, you actually have something to do instead of waiting for a reply from someone. This also adds a whole other feature to which people can be drawn into using. I know that I am quite interested in the exploring capabilities of these 3d worlds.

The qualitative difference between these different mesaging systems is that the behaviour of the people involved can be expressed in many different ways in the 3d environment. Not only can you message in text as usual but emotions can be expressed in much more detailed way than in an IM which uses a mulittude of emoticons. Also, the environment has, I believe a huge effect on behaviour of the participants. The interactions between these people vary depending on where they are in the 3d world, for example, someone in a coffee shop might feel more inclined to talk about things there than out in the open.

I do have some reservations about these 3d messaging programs. It seems to me that these programs may be expensive to use, or eat up your download quicker. Also, if you have a slower connection this may affect the experience you have on these programs. And lastly, this may be seen by some people as a substitute for actually living, therefore preventing people from socialising.

Well, that's my thoughts on 3D instant messaging worlds. Also, you may have noticed my essay on Marshall McLuhan's Hot & cool Media theory below this post, give it a read if you like. It is good to have such an essay finished so now I can study for the NCT exam.