by James Lutaaya

Created on: February 14, 2010   Last Updated: February 15, 2010

ARE WE READY FOR THE VIRTUAL WORLD ERA?

James Cameron’s sci-fi movie Avator last month over took the Titanic (an epic movie about the sinking of the legendary ship ‘Titanic’ also directed by him) as the highest earning film of all time. It also became the fastest movie to take a billion dollars at the box office doing it in just 17 days. It further won the Golden globe awards for best picture (Drama) and best Director; and is bound to over haul the Oscars having been norminated in nine categories. Most of its success is attributed to its use of 3D technology which makes the viewer part of the movie by bringing the picture almost at touching distance. This is one of several indications of the virtual world being the cynosure for this decade. The effects of this life choice are yet to be assessed but what is certain is; this virtual phenomenon is a manifestation of today’s technological advancement.

Most of the aforementioned is on line (games, dating, reading, shopping, banking, networking sights and chats) and through 3D movies and of recent television. Has the internet/ technical era made us lazy ‘couch potatoes’ who do every thing at the touch of a button; or are we lucky to live in an era where things are more advanced and the concept of reality has changed?

Face book, twitter and other net working and dating sites have brought about the concept of virtual relationships where one realises he/ she can be who ever they want to be and have as many friends by just inviting whoever they please. Many a person at least has one or more people on their profiles they don’t know, have not or will never meet as a friend. This transcends to marriages or relationships too. Some people are finding virtual relationships a new exciting venture where one can be whoever they want to be in place of their routine commitments where their character traits and personality is well known. These fantasies are leading to spousal neglect, jealousies and suspicions that could have been avoided and if acted upon; a ‘harmless’ flirtation could result in to an affair. The work place is suffering too as people are spending more work time on the internet doing personal things; especially as many can not afford internet at home.

Even after work, the black berry culture has ensured the internet is not given a break with all the virtual entertainments on offer. Computer communication and gaming is also taking over the academic and social

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