"If people find social sites like MySpace and online role-playing games engrossing now, just wait. By 2020, people will spend more time online in connected, virtual worlds that will boost productivity but may lead to addiction problems.

That's among the findings of a new study by the Pew Internet & American Life Project that asked Internet leaders, futurists and others how the Internet would affect life by the year 2020.

Overall, the survey found that technological advances will make the Internet a universal benefit for most--but not without creating some major problems along the way.

While the report doesn't directly address the digital media landscape in 2020, it does suggest that a more immersive media experience lies ahead. More than half the respondents surveyed believe those with the means will indulge in "increasingly sophisticated, networked synthetic worlds for work and entertainment."


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