3D Chat Worlds

Have you visited one of the many 3D chat worlds on the internet recently? If not, say experts who follow internet trends, you are one of the few who have not experienced this new wave of internet communication. Nothing ever sits still long on the internet, and the new chat worlds represent one of the most creative uses of technology for online chatters.

Say What?

Virtual worlds like the insanely trendy Second Life are the new communication arenas on the net. These 3D chat worlds allow internet users to chat with other users in real time. Chat can be instantly posted, instantly read, and instantly responded to – just like in real life.

A virtual world is an online community where people with shared interests gather to discuss their passions and share information. Second Life is perhaps the largest virtual world on the internet today and is the most popular of the many 3D chat worlds like Moove, Imvu, Activeworlds and There.

In the Second Life virtual world users can communicate with other, conduct business, explore, have fun and learn. All of these applications include the use of chat.

Virtual Speech

Chatting in the 3D worlds is very similar to IMing or texting from your cell phone with one big difference. In most cases anyone within a certain range can hear your chat.

Eavesdropping is part of the fun in 3D worlds according to avid Second Life users. Mark Picken, an interesting Second Life blogger, says, “It’s just like real life – this chatting thing. Say you are waiting for the bus…you can overhear about a dozen conversations on a good day. Sure, it may be rude but we all do it. It is impossible not to block it out.”

Picken goes on to describe how eavesdropping applies to 3D chat worlds. “Second Life has designated ranges. Depending on the range you choose anywhere from several to several hundred users can hear your chat.”

How is this possible? Before “saying” your text in Second Life you have the option to access a drop down menu and choose the range for your conversation. There are several different ranges to choose from:

• Whisper – text will be heard in a 10 meter range
• Say – text will be heard in a 20 meter range
• Shout – text will be heard in a 100 meter range

If you are region/state owner you can also use the Region “range” for your conversation and text will be heard across the entire simulation (region). On the top Second Life viewer interface or screen, choose: World - Region/Estate - Region - Send Message to Region.

In Second Life you can have a private conversation with your contacts (friends or groups) using the IM/Call option. On the bottom Second Life viewer interface or screen, choose: Communicate - IM/Call.

When chatting, whoever is within your chosen range will be able to hear your chat. Fortunately, for people wishing to have a private conversation 3D Chat Worlds have a private conversation option. This conversation will not appear on the screen and is similar to the old IMing method. So don’t be afraid and start communicating with interesting people in your virtual world!.