Task 5:

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

In my opinion, IM programs such as MSN provides socialisation, which is very convenient and easy to use, in contrast the 3D aspect of socialisation on website such as ActiveWorlds appears to be more complicated. However, I was impressed by 3D dimensions on the ActiveWorlds website, which was more entertaining experience than normal MSN or Yahoo chat rooms. Even though it appears to be very far away from reality, I was impressed by 3D world more than IM programs. IM programs appears to be good way to chat in case of communicating with friends and family but to get excitement out of socialisation with strangers it seems 3D world gets my vote. There are few problems with the graphics on the computer and slow internet connection to run this 3D world but for socialisation it provides better means than IM programs. Quality of the 3D images are bit poor but its better than no fun visual of IM programs. IM programs provide some features such as web cam, which I really loved when I talk with family and friends. 3D programs are not as famous as general IM programs due to no major support from large corporation but they will gain popularity as the technology advances in this century.