Virtual Worlds Inevitable ?

I was reading with interest this article by Gary Hayes on "Virtual Worlds, Web 3.0 and Portable Profiles".

Many have hypothesized that it is the natural trend in human computer interaction for people to adopt an avatar, build an online profile and live their life in virtual environments.

It is acceptable that real life can be simulated in virtuality, but as in any form of engineering, the simulation has to end up in reality. Though a fraction of initial users will continue to keep virtual environments fun, a majority will use it as a tool to build their real life - engaging people in reality to buildup their virtual life and overflow virtuality into reality.

Humans have socialized through physical contact over hundreds of thousands of years. The term contact could be redefined for the current age as being a simple text message, but to make it a viable social experience, a reality check is required. You could live in a Matrix, but you still need to shop for real groceries to make dinner.