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.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Social Computing vs Actual Socializing
I saw a very interesting comment on the responses to the blog Thinking Beyond Web 2.0
"Social computing seem inversely proportional to actually socializing. You know, in real life. If only it were a positive relationship.
Some examples of web 2.0 having effects outside of the web would be nice. "
Wikipedia defines Social Computing in two ways. The first as supporting any sort of social behavior in or through computational systems, and the second enabling the use of collective intelligence. Very fascinating indeed !
In my opinion, social networks that are predominant on the web initially start off as reflections of the self but end up being second life neighbourhoods. The relationship begins in reality but is fostered in virtuality.
I agree with the user who posted the above comment. It would be great if social computing could help in actual socializing - a reverse of the trend currently witnessed. Social software that will enable people to find others on the web, and foster the relationship in reality.
"Social computing seem inversely proportional to actually socializing. You know, in real life. If only it were a positive relationship.
Some examples of web 2.0 having effects outside of the web would be nice. "
Wikipedia defines Social Computing in two ways. The first as supporting any sort of social behavior in or through computational systems, and the second enabling the use of collective intelligence. Very fascinating indeed !
In my opinion, social networks that are predominant on the web initially start off as reflections of the self but end up being second life neighbourhoods. The relationship begins in reality but is fostered in virtuality.
I agree with the user who posted the above comment. It would be great if social computing could help in actual socializing - a reverse of the trend currently witnessed. Social software that will enable people to find others on the web, and foster the relationship in reality.
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