One of the barriers to effective communication is the propensity toward tunnel vision and failing to truly acknowledge that everyone does not see life through the same lens. Developing an understanding of the perspective of others breaks down communication barriers that hinder or even prohibit meaningful relationship. Understanding and empathy are vital elements for effectively communicating with people from different cultures. Virtual worlds have become a modern day venue through which understanding and empathy toward other cultures can be broadened so that barriers to intercultural communication can be removed. By leveling the playing field, virtual worlds make it possible to explore different cultures without risking physical safety or judgment and alienation. However, this growing phenomenon is not without its limitations.
Physical safety would certainly be a concern when visiting countries like Israel, Iran, Iraq and others due to the possibility of terrorist attacks and suicide bombers. For many, visiting such countries is simply not an option, even though they might possibly like to know and understand more about the various regions. Still others may be willing to go in spite of the potential dangers to their physical safety, but it is cost prohibitive. Through virtual worlds and the use of avatars, people can enter into games where they have the opportunity to meet people from different parts of the world and learn more about their beliefs and their culture. Virtual worlds are rife with interaction that enables people to create communities comprised of self-built worlds and avatars centered around common interests, learning or socialization in order to promote information exchange (Harris & Rae, 2009). Through these self-built worlds, people can virtually experience things that they will likely never experience in real life for fear of losing an arm, a leg, their life, or simply because they cannot financially afford it.
Another risk with intercultural communication is judgment, not only from members of foreign cultures, but sometimes from one’s own friends and family. Social norms are defined by the culture in which one resides. It is from these social norms that one’s views and perceptions of other cultures are shaped and molded. Intercultural communication barriers can arise from preconceived perceptions in the minds of all parties from the moment of introduction to someone from a different culture, particularly if those perceptions are less than favorable. For example, Americans are considered to be infidels by many in the Middle East. Conversely, many Americans today have a tendency to be suspicious of individuals from the Middle East because of the devastating events of September 11, 2011. This mutually negative perception between Americans and Middle Eastern natives will naturally impact the flow of communication between the two.
In the presence of such opposing attitudes toward different cultures, friends and family may become uncomfortable or feel threatened should one of their own choose to befriend someone from a perceived unfavorable culture, which could cause them to judge and alienate their friend or family member. The fear of judgment and alienation from friends and family can cause people to totally abandon any thoughts of trying to build a bridge between other cultures, which keeps the current system of “us and them” fully established. Virtual worlds remove the fear of being shunned or ostracized. Although each player enters the game with their own preconceived perceptions, they are free to ask questions and exchange information that can dispel those perceptions, thereby building a bridge for open dialogue between cultures. “Some say they open up in ways they never would in face-to-face encounters in real support groups, therapy sessions, or even with family and close friends in their true lives” (Stein, 2007).
While virtual worlds have opened a door of almost limitless possibilities with regard to learning and information exchange, they do still have their limitations. In order for the exchange of information to successfully improve intercultural communication, the participants must be willing to actually relinquish preconceptions about other cultures and become open to a broader understanding, something that can only be controlled by the participants themselves. No one can force another person to be open and allow their mind to be changed.
There is also the issue of cost for the implementation of virtual world applications as an educational tool. With more and more businesses establishing offices overseas, the ability to teach intercultural communication through virtual worlds could prove to be very beneficial; however, the costs involved with upgrading computer systems, as well as the time and money required to train instructors on how to use the virtual world applications is currently a stumbling block. “Virtual worlds have yet to reach their optimum usability, accessibility and richness of experience because of technological limitations and relatively high development costs” (Wortley, 2009). The good news is these hurdles can be overcome with time, which makes the long-term future of virtual worlds very promising.
The starting point for effective communication is a greater understanding of the one with whom you are communicating, whether it is with an individual, a small group or a nation. The advancement of computerized technology has in effect shrunk our world. Never in the history of mankind has the need for effective intercultural communication been so great. Virtual worlds, although still in their infancy stage, make it possible to go where those who have gone before us were unable to go. Information can be exchanged, lives can be touched and bridges between cultures can be built in real time with the simple click of a mouse. Virtual worlds may still have some limitations; however, the limitations pale in comparison to the benefits.
References:
Harris, A., & Rea, A. (2009). Web 2.0 and virtual world technologies: A growing impact on IS education. Journal of Information Systems Education, 20(2), 137-144. Retrieved August 14, 2011, from ABI/INFORM Global. (Document ID: 1755224731).
Stein, R. (2007, October 6). Real hope in a virtual world: Online identities leave limitations behind. The Washington Post. Retrieved on August 14, 2011 from http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2007/10/05/ST2007100502446.html?hpid=artslot
Wortley, D. (2009, September). Virtual barriers will crumble. The Times Higher Education Supplement:THE, (1913), 28. Retrieved August 14, 2011, from ProQuest Newsstand. (Document ID: 2175206931).
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