week 8

what are the qualitative differences between the regular IM program and a 3D environment?

What is different about the kinds of socialising that happens in these spaces? Does the 3D aspect make much difference?

The 2 programmes have the same basis, which is to keep in touch with your contacts and socialise. It can be said they are as similar as they are different.

Regular (2-d) messaging programmes are different to 3D programmes. 2-d programmes allow their user to talk directly with people you know and only people you know instantly rather than having to find someone and getting to know them by engaging conversation. This gives the user an immediate connection to the conversation and allows a swift response. An IM programme also gives the user a private location in which to talk privately, i.e without everyone else in the room being able to read your conversation and answer back.

3D programs also have many superior aspects to Instant messaging programmes. They are more visual and user-friendly in terms that the platform they utilise. It is WYSIWYG. IM programmes allow the user to, in a way, view who they are talking to through the other persons 3D character. This gives the user an impression of the person they are talking to before they even begin talking to them. 3D programs also allow the user to be in many conversations with as many people as can fit in the room.

IM programs:

• Instant message and instant response from apposing user.
• Safe forum, usually friends before use.
• Can show pictures, and ‘What I am listening to’.
• Can change name whenever to show your mood, something you thought was funny, song lyrics or just your name.
• Know who is and who isn’t online from your friend list.
  Able to add new people and broaden friend list.

3D Programs:

• Able to potentially talk to everyone in the room at once.
• Open forum to meet new people.
• Can see other users' character which may indicate their personality, tastes or self-esteem
  
• Ability to do actions as well including dancing, yelling, waving etc.

Both:

• Provide a common playground for people to chat to each other, or let's say it, for paedophiles to lure children
  
• Can talk to many people in one conversation.

Both programs are quite post-modern. Not my cup of tea though, I'd much rather get to know people in person.