differences between IM programs and 3d environments

what are the qualitative differences between the regular IM program and a 3D environment?
What is different about the kinds of socialising that happens in these spaces? Does the 3D aspect make much difference? In other words, are there things that are possible in one space that are not possible in the other? Could you think of where this sort of application might lead us?

In these worlds, you could be a totally different person and at the same time be yourself. In msn messenger, you usually come across as yourself. It is very quick access however where the other ones a more time consuming. When it comes to socialisng, such worlds are more exciting becasue you can actually see yourself interacting with other people. Where in msn messenger, you can't. The 3d aspect definitely makes a difference, you can control yourself to do actions around the surroundings. It is exciting because it allows you to see things in a different perspective. Its somewhat like a video game, the only difference is you chat and socialize and it isnt a game. In saying that however, there is this trick that encourages you to chat more. In worlds like IMVU and Habbo, you can receive free credits, depending on how you often you chat. This enables you to buy things and so on. Having the advantage to win stuff for your character also excites you.
Having the opportunity to go inot different worlds spices up the sitution, if your on msn messenger at home at your upset whilst talking to friends, you can't really escape that situation. Whereas in these 3d worlds you can make yourself feel better by escaping your 'real' situation and current location to somewhere you wish you could be. Also is your feeling down, it could be possible that youyrt friends send you gifts such as in IMVU. This cannot be don't on simple msn messenger.

IMV is created by the same person who made Sims. There you have the advantage of creating yourself to whoever you want to be. You can pick ur name, and search people whereas in msn you cant. Along with this, there are advertisments in the world and things for sale where you can buy. People might prefer this better than msn because it gives you a reason to chat. If you chat there is a deal that you can get credits. With your person you can make him have an expression, or tell him to jump or clap and he will.


Habbo has a lot of distractions, you can look at games, win stuff, its not really a world but your room where you can design it and express yourself.
Activeworld you can pick your worlds.