Pros and cons of virtual worlds

There are some conflicting views around on virtual worlds. Lord Puttnam in his opening keynote speech at the Virtual Worlds Forum held in London from 23-26 October, leads us to believe that "The growing number of toy-themed virtual worlds aimed at young people risks undermining the basic human values we wish to in still in children." (BBC NEWS). This was enough to see me heading off to barbiegirls.com to see what all the fuss is about. This site seems rather innocuous to me and OK it does have online shopping, but I don't see it as any different to my childhood spent looking at the toy section in mom's catalogue. What did worry me was the shape of the Barbie on the front which should be attacked by those working with girls with anorexia.

On the other side of the fence there is interesting work being undertaken at UCL with various kinds of clinical psychotherapy. Imagine been a person with a fear of public speaking having your psychiatrist stand with you whilst you speak in public. "you couldn't do that in real time, you couldn't follow them around for a week to see how they behave - it's a perfect lab setting" says Professor Slater. (BBC NEWS) This is just the sort of development I could see coming along in healthcare. One to watch I think.

Another facet in the news today is Microsoft buying a stake of FaceBook. Seems they want to push more advertising!