Week 8-IM and 3D Chat Environments

The online chatting environment has changed so much that it is now possible to chat in 3D. However, what really are the differences between regular Instant Messaging(IM) programs and a 3D environment? For IM programs such as MSN, we are able to log on and chat as if we are having a telephone conversation. However its different from an actual conversation in that we do not necessarily have to reply immediately. In IM, we are able to choose who we want to include in our contact list and converse with at any point of time. This in turn, eliminates any unwanted conversations with strangers and we are assured of our privacy in one way or another. In a 3D environment, we can do many more things than on a regular IM program. For instance, we are able to create our own avatars that represent our very unique traits. After doing so, we can move around, make friends, play games and even create our very own virtual homes, something that cannot be done in IM. This can be done in programs such as Active Worlds and IMVU. In Active Worlds, we can even use its 3D technology for businesses where we can sell products to consumers and carry out on line training and e-learning programs. In a 3D world, we can also choose who we want to converse with but its different from IM in that virtually anyone in the world can make contact with you. This can get pretty annoying when you are not interested in speaking with certain people. 3D represents an upmarket form of chatting online today. Though it may be perceived as a more interesting channel to converse by some people, IM does still have its advantages. It ultimately boils down to an individuals preference and what programs they are comfortable with using.