A life less ordinary offers far more than just escapism

摘要

People don't make do with just the real world any more. Powerful PCs, widespread broadband and sophisticated computer graphics have spawned a series of alternative online realities where new societies are quickly evolving from scratch.rnIn a three-part special report beginning this week, NewScientist investigates the impact of virtual worlds. Do they offer a more liberating experience than real life, or does anonymity bring out our worst instincts? What other virtual experiences are on the way, and which will win - those that closely resemble the real world, or a virtual universe of worlds to suit all tastes?