^ That's the main idea. ;3 A virtual real life used like, lets, a MSN client or something. Free, no strings attached, with only benefits. I got this idea from inspiration I got from Google actually, seeing as they always release these awesomely useful programs for free. The only life-simulator we've got at the moment is Second Life, which is kinda wonky and quite ugly. This would be like a town, with professional models, and accurate weather systems to make it come to life. Something Second Life kinda failed at, in my opinion. Not to mention they charge you real money for too many things.. Not very nice for people without money. :/
I mean, why wouldn't it be realistic? We've already got internet radio, TV, websites.. you name it. It would relatively easy to implement those to contribute making it more real. Oh, and I like your college idea.. I for one would love to go to school like that, I'm terrified of public classes, but like that you could actually learn actual skills you can use in real life.
And, when you feel like being alone, or with just a few specific people, you can lock your virtual house with a password or something ensuring nobody unwanted comes in. :3
But yeah, I agree.. That's one of my concerns, that people might replace social life with the game. But I'll see, if I get to work on this project, how that can be fixed.