I am always pleased to see virtual reality applications put to practical use in the real world (not just virtual dating, lol). Here is a cool application i recently came across: Read the rest of this entry »
I’d like to post here an excerpt from a blog written by my partner, Ravit Abelman, in response to David Evans. They address an interesting question: To what extent does virtual dating compete with video dating?
Most virtual worlds are aimed at kids and young people (for example, check out Ravi Mehta’s excellent blog), and there is plenty of skepticism out there about people over 30, let alone over 40, using virtual worlds.
Yes, it’s true that folks like me, a 40-something over-the-hill oldie, have little interest in playing games designed for children. While my kids love Webkinz, i personally prefer to do just about anything else … even watch Oprah if i have to.
The thing is, me and the other old folks like me are not actually against having fun or doing cool things … It’s just has be be fun for us.
I think my generation would gladly embrace virtual worlds that are built to match our interests and enhance websites that we actually use … online dating is definitely one of them.
In my previous postings, I noted that VR is being used to effectively address some real issues. Here’s an interesting prediction: According to Gartner, there is a major move underway whereby companies are developing their own virtual worlds. Gartner projects that within the next 5 years, 70% of organizations will have their own private internal virtual worlds. This type of prediction from a reliable source only confirms that online dating will likely transform into virtual dating over the next few years.
A new study from University of Houston found that a virtual reality environment can provide the climate necessary to trigger an alcohol craving so that patients can practice how to say “no” in a realistic and safe setting.
It would be great if someone empirically examined how practicing dating skills in a virtual environment improves dating skills in real life.
A recent article in TIME describes research findings that online experiences “can spill over and change your conduct in the real world … even 90 seconds spent chatting it up with avatars is enough to elicit behavioral changes offline.” For example, positive virtual experiences can boost self-confidence.
Although these studies did not specifically examine how virtual dating can impact real-life dating, the findings seem to suggest that successful virtual dating can positively impact one’s confidence in real life and, thus, increase the likelihood of relationship success. Afterall, self-confidence is reported to be one of the most attractive qualities in both men and women.
Hmmm … it would be great to do an empirical study using OmniDate.
It’s very exciting to see how “virtual world” applications help people in their real lives. Here are a few examples that have appeared in the media just over the last few days.
1. Online world opens up new ways to do and learn about science … “Scientists Get a 2nd Life,” Science News
2. Virtual dating helps create real life personal relationships … “Virtual dinner and a movie? Simulated dating ranks grow,” Chicago Tribune
3. Universities, conference planners and global firms have started holding gatherings for far-flung employees and students in the online world … “A Second Life for corporate America,” Los Angeles Times
Mark Brooks has posted a terrific review of a Harvard study, which provides evidence on the effectiveness of virtual dating. (Since Mark’s done such a great job, I’m going to take an easy way out and simply republish his review; click here to read this review on OPW)
HARVARD STUDY — Online dating is an undoubtedly popular way to meet potential partners. 11% of Internet users (16 million Americans) have used an online dating website. Online dating websites are highly successful in allowing people to connect with others outside of their existing social circles. Read the rest of this entry »
Virtual Dating is not meant to replace face-to-face dating. It’s meant to facilitate it. Only face-to-face dating let’s you find your soulmate. Nothing can replace that. The problem is you can’t date everybody, and the question is how do you determine whom to date?
Online dating has provided singles with a much greater pool of candidates than they would be able to access otherwise. It is estimated that 20 Million people are registered on dating sites. But, how does a single person explore this pool? Read the rest of this entry »
Recent social and technical developments point toward “virtual dating” becoming a significant part of our dating life.
Our approach to finding a life partner is changing, and as an industrial psychologist, I find it interesting to observe how people react to this change. Some embrace change and get excited about opportunities; others fear it and resist it. Read the rest of this entry »
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