Week 12 Framing: Virtual Worlds

1. There is often criticism and backlash toward people who spend a great deal of time on sites like WoW or Second Life. But what positive things have emerged out of such virtual worlds? Are there social benefits to experimenting in the online world?

2. The Papagiannidis and Bourlakis article discusses the ways in which virtual world members can customize their retail transactions to meet their specific needs. Is it possible that there will come a time when we expect this in the “real world” as a result of what is available in the online world?

3. Should we be concerned with the people that participate in illegal activities like pedophilia and violence in online realms? Does that mean they are more likely to do those things in real life?

Tags: framing, virtual worlds, week 12