Human values threatened by virtual worlds
Posted: Sat Oct 27, 2007 6:06 am
S: http://www.theinquirer.net/gb/inquirer/ ... ed-virtualLord Puttnam worries about the kiddies
By Nick Farrell: Friday, 26 October 2007, 9:40 AM
TOY-THEMED virtual worlds are giving kiddies a poor view of basic human values, according to Oscar-winning film-maker Lord David Puttnam.
His Lordship, who bought us Bugsy Malone and Chariots of Fire was opening a London conference devoted to discussing virtual worlds.
He is worried that these worlds link children's imagination to the purchase of a toy. This will just teach children that they are consumers rather than any meaningful values that societies acutally need, he said.
Speaking to the Virtual Worlds Forum held in London, and quoted by the Beeb, Puttnam named Webkinz, Funkeys, BarbieGirls, TyGirlz as places of evil created and run by consumerist toy makers.
He said it would be better to build worlds that encourage those values and skills we wish children to exercise in the real world.
He wanted virtual worlds to become places that offer real meaning to people's lives.
I think non-virtual worlds aren't that good at teaching ethics either, at times.