3D Worlds and Socialising on the Internet

Instant messaging programs, especially MSN, is one of my most commonly used computer program. Everyone on my messenger account is either a friend, relative or acquaintance of mine that I have personally added or accepted. In a 3D environment, it is more like a game or a pretend world. Not only are you chatting to other users, but you are also creating a make believe world using your own character and applications. Your only priority in entering the 3D world is not to chat, but also to involve yourself in other activities. Also, in a 3D environment, you are not necessarily communicating with people you know. Subsequently you are meeting new people, maybe even from the other side of the world. Instant messaging is more intimate and focuses on conversing with friends etc. A photo is shown so you know what each other looks like and the option to start a webcam conversation is always there. Fake characters are used in 3D environments, so it is not always clear who you are talking to or what they are really like. In the future, this could result in people relying on 3D environments to meet others and to escape reality and intimacy.