Over the past few days a product announcement and some interesting research have come together for me in illustrating some of the downsides of heavy regular use of virtual environments. I'm talking specifically about the physical impacts here: we've covered the psychological positives and negatives repeatedly (e.g. here and here). In regard to the psychological side, I've … [Read more...] about The physical health impacts of virtual environments
research
Interview – Prof. Young Choi and Dr. Thomas Furness, HIT Lab Australia
In 2008, with not a lot of fanfare, the Human Interface Technology Laboratory Australia (HIT Lab) was created. Part of the University of Tasmania (UTAS), its brief is to be a specialist human interface technology teaching and research centre. Headed in an interim capacity by Professor Young Ju Choi with significant involvement by veteran virtual reality researcher Tom … [Read more...] about Interview – Prof. Young Choi and Dr. Thomas Furness, HIT Lab Australia
Companies and 3D Virtual Worlds: one detailed analysis
There's an ever-growing pile of books on virtual worlds available, ranging from tour guides to detailed ethnography. One publication that slipped under the radar for me at least (it was published in May 2008) is Companies and Virtual 3D Worlds - Analysis of Business Model at the Example of Second Life. Written by Stavros Pechlivanidis, a Managing Consultant and IT Specialist … [Read more...] about Companies and 3D Virtual Worlds: one detailed analysis
Sexual expression in virtual worlds – is normalcy achievable?
From our sister site, Metaverse Health: For many, the Christmas / New Year period is a time when there's more regular social contact with people. It's certainly been the case for me and it's emphasised a well known virtual world conundrum - personal boundaries. Over the past month I've had the occasion to discuss virtual worlds with a handful of people who have no experience … [Read more...] about Sexual expression in virtual worlds – is normalcy achievable?
Gender and virtual worlds: new research
Dmitri Williams from the University of Southern California has completed some research in conjunction with Mia Consalvo (Ohio University), Scott Caplan (University of Delaware) and Nick Yee (Stanford University). The title of the research is Looking for gender (LFG): Gender roles and behaviors among online gamers. The research employed a range of survey tools as well as some … [Read more...] about Gender and virtual worlds: new research