An online world is any community-based organization of people or computer users connected through the Internet. Online worlds can be created through massively multiplayer online games (MMOGs), massively multiplayer online role playing games (MMORPGS), virtual worlds, blogs and the blogosphere, forums and text-based chat rooms. Users of online worlds are often referred to as "members". The members of an online world make up a social community and a network of individuals with similar interests. Online worlds make it possible for people to connect to each other and form a community independent of location and physical world restrictions. Members of any online world may retain their anonymity, or they may create a relationship through their experiences in the online world that initiates a real-world connection or interaction.

back