Julian Dibell's, Rape in Cyberspace, was mind-bottling to me. The article talked of this virtual man, Mr. Bungle, virtually raping girls in LambdaMOO. What makes this so argumentive is the fact that the two girls that had gotten raped were emotionally distraught. What makes this mind-bottling is that it was not a "real" rape; there was no physically contact involved. However, people that are in these virtually communities get emotionally involved. These characters mean so much to them, because they actually invented them and with that they build this bond. Whatever happens to their character, feels like it is happening to them as well. The arguments that were posed was whether this would be as bad as a real rape (because emotions were involved) and whether punishment for Mr. Bungle is necessary? Honestly this is disturbing. It is sick first of all how someone would come up with this idea of raping girls virtually. I mean, it makes you think if he is possibly anticipating this in real life...that is what makes it frightening! What Mr. Bungle did definitely would be considered a form of sexual harrassment. Another argument that was brought up in class was that why wouldn't these girls just sign off if it was that hard for them to see?
I think it is an issue that Mr. Bungle did something like this, but I also think people getting so involved online is also an issue. So many peopel are worried about pornography and online predators, it is bound that these type of people are going to end up in these virtual communities. I think if people can not handle the consequences they maybe should not be participating. I found an article that talks about virtual rape, and whether it is a crime or not. The author, says that it is not a crime but it definitely can be traumatizing! She also mentions that people do not change although their social settings and communities may. It is just a shame, but there are people out there that do have issues and sexual tendencies. People like Mr. Bungle may have a sick fettish or problem that they just take out on innocent women on the computer. In all reality, there are people out there and one just needs to be careful. It is very naive to think that this will not happen to you if you are actively engaging in online chatrooms or virtual worlds.
I think one of the biggest reasons why I am so bias about online activity is because I know what can go on. There is much out in cyberspace that is unbelievable and it can also be dangerous. I have dealt with online consequences and it is very emotionally unbearing. There are a lot of people that can mess with your mind, and it is scary what these people are capable of making you do. It is like a voodoo just like Mr. Bungle used to capture his prey. In conclusion, cyber rape can be very hurtful and traumatizing mentally, but real rape is more than that. I just hope people are smart about what they are getting theirselves into. Yes, there are postives to cyber communities, but honestly all im getting from this is everything positive backfiring. In all in all, I think it depends on one's own personal experiences. It is all up in the air what may and may not happen to you in the cyber community!
http://www.wired.com/culture/lifestyle/commentary/sexdrive/2007/05/sexdrive_0504
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You brought up some very good points in your blog. The fact that the internet has no boundaries brings up these actions that are not legal in the real world to the virtual world. I think people are fascinated with pushing the limits when there are no real consequences. Although some argue that limits should be set, that is taking away one of the big advantages to virtual communities.
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