Virtual Environment A virtual environment is an online environment where things can be posted, participated in, and manipulated by the users. Virtual environments encompass things like virtual reality, multi-user games, shared communities or similar. Whe
Virtual Environment
A virtual environment is an online environment where things can be posted, participated in, and manipulated by the users. Virtual environments encompass things like virtual reality, multi-user games, shared communities or similar. When you complete this week’s assignment, think about what virtual environments you spend time in. Below are some links to examples of virtual reality environments.
Oculus Rift: Next generation virtual reality
HoloLens: Holographic computer that allows you to interact with hologram
Active Worlds: Users create their own worlds and custom 3D content
Write a 2- to 3-page paper in APA format that describes the pros and cons of this type of environment. Make sure to include the following information within your paper.
1.Describe what virtual environments you use (e.g., World of Warcraft, fantasy football, Second Life).
2.Share how long you spend in these environments. Fun fact: The average American spends nearly eight hours a day staring at screens (computer, phone, TV, etc.).
3.Is new virtual reality technology, such as Oculus Rift, the same as an environment such as Fantasy Football or Facebook? Why or why not?
4.How might you apply the functionalism theory to explain the virtual environment experience for someone with social anxiety issues?
5.Include how each of the perspectives explains the concept of virtual reality/environments. Try to view the problem from each perspective by asking the kinds of questions a theorist would ask if they were a functionalist, conflict theorist, or symbolic interactionist. For this this assignment, you could ask yourself:
oWhat is the function of virtual reality/environment? What role does this play in our culture? (Functionalism)
oWhat conflicts arise because of virtual reality/environments? How do you feel about the technology gap? Is there inequality present? (Conflict theory)
oWhat does virtual reality/environment mean to us as a society? When we interact on the Internet, explore virtual environments, and make connections online, what do these relationships mean? (Symbolic interactionism)
Answer preview
I am a frequent player of the popular virtual and online game called World of Warcraft. The game is predominantly a multiplayer game. It came into being in 2004, and its popularity has consistently grown over the years. In 2017, the game was ranked the most popular online game, with over one hundred million players (Williams, 2019). The popularity of the game has also resulted in increased revenues for the manufacturing company. By 2017, the game had generated gross income to the tune of nine billion dollars (Williams, 2019). In the same year, the manufacturing company introduced a variation to the game referred to as World of Warcraft Classic. The gameplay revolves around controlling a character as they explore various gaming environments. During such expeditions, people interact with other players and even have virtual fights as they seek to complete their quests.
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