Virtual Lives
eBook - ePub

Virtual Lives

A Reference Handbook

  1. 288 pages
  2. English
  3. ePUB (mobile friendly)
  4. Available on iOS & Android
eBook - ePub

Virtual Lives

A Reference Handbook

About this book

This book is the THE source for information on virtual worlds, covering every aspect of this intriguing and fast-changing social practice and the technologies upon which it rests.

Virtual Lives: A Reference Handbook describes the history, development, and role of virtual worlds, also known as virtual environments and immersive virtual environments. It provides detailed background about virtual worlds and their societal impact, from early precursors and inspirations to the latest trends and developments. Specifics on user demographics are included, as are descriptions of virtual worlds' functions, discussion of societal concerns and opportunities, and information about relevant research data and key persons and organizations.

Although virtual worlds in their current form are a relatively new phenomenon, other online social environments have served as precursors for decades and literary inspirations go back even further. This handbook therefore covers some early developments dating back to the mid-20th century. Its primary focus, however, is on developments since the mid-1990s and especially on the current state and social impact of virtual worlds, including their impact both in the United States and around the world.

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Yes, you can access Virtual Lives by James D. Ivory Ph.D. in PDF and/or ePUB format, as well as other popular books in Ciencia de la computación & Aspectos sociales en las ciencias de la computación. We have over one million books available in our catalogue for you to explore.

Table of contents

  1. Cover
  2. Title
  3. Copyright
  4. Contents
  5. Preface
  6. Acknowledgments
  7. 1 Definitions, Background, and History
  8. 2 The Audience and Function of Virtual Worlds
  9. 3 Societal Concerns and Opportunities
  10. 4 Chronology
  11. 5 Biographical Sketches
  12. 6 Tables, Charts, and Images
  13. 7 Organizations
  14. 8 Print and Online Resources
  15. Glossary of Terms
  16. Index