3D worlds and socialising

3D worlds are 'it' at the moment; the tutorial task for week 8 was about this new technology - ActiveWorlds, IMVU and Habbo Hotel.
So I decided to check it out - but along the way I encountered some problems.
Habbo Hotel - extremely detailed new technology that requires alot of new software to actually use it. You need Shockwave, speedy internet and THEN you can play. You also have to pay real money for objects and furnishings for your virtual room.
In the Hotel you can move around to different areas and become friends with people, chat with others and even flirt online. Interesting. It's very virtual - chatting becomes socialising and hanging out getting to know people.
In Activeworlds you can shop online in the 3D reality world, build your own reality home and make new friends. (I must say firstly, it took a very long time to launch - gotta love technology!)
Wow when I got into it, I was impressed... I could walk around, visit schools, "learn to build!"
You can choose your own character and appearance to suit yourself.
3D worlds is incredible - it has taken online chatting to a new level. It does require a great deal of new software to load and run these programs but when you're inside the worlds; it's very easy to get lost in the personalities and places.
I'll continue this post abit later....
I'll check out IMVU as well!