3D Worlds & Socialising on the Internet

Today's task was to investigate the qualitative differences between 3D chatroom environments and instant messaging programs. From exploring the 3D chatroom sites, it is evident that chatrooms allow users to have the opportunity to communicate with others on a different level to msn. In 3D chatrooms, users can create an image which they believe represents themselves, giving others a better idea of who they are talking to, they're style, hair colour, and other general appearance aspects. However, in 3D chatrooms it is also possible to create an avatar which does not represent themselves at all, faking their identity and fooling other users to believe their appearance differs from what they really look like. In instant messaging programs, it is possible only to type to other online users via words, and no images. 3D chatrooms allow users to chat in a 3D world, allowing for other activities to be undertaken between two users, i.e. dancing, walking, flirting, etc. The opportunities for interaction and communication are extended in a 3D chatroom environment.