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A new definition in Horror...

© Caroline Baker

RAPE!

Have I got your attention yet? When a woman screams rape, it's a serious offense. But how about this one:

Cyber-RAPE!

???

With the birth of the Internet came new definitions to old problems. While the Internet is a genderless and emotionless world, the PEOPLE, who populate it, are not. With us comes the "baggage" of a gendered society with all its problems.

Terms, such as Rape and Stalking receive the prefix of "cyber" and a new way of defining old problems.

Cyber-Rape
In 1993, Julian Dibbell came forward with an alarming story in The Village Voice, entitled How an Evil Clown, a Haitian Trickster Spirit, Two Wizards, and a Cast of Dozens Turned a Database Into a Society. Albeit a mouthful, Julian introduced the general public to a concept known as "cyber-rape". Existing in a simulated world known as LambdaMOO, an online, interactive game, Julian was assaulted by the persona called Mr. Bungle. While no actual physical interaction occurred, Julian was subjected to unwanted sexual advances. In other words, she was raped.

For those of us who participate in similar games online, her experience is nothing new. KK Campbell learned that even just parading around with a female persona subjects you to open harassment. Some of it is mutual. Some of it in fun. But, the question arises: At what point does fun become dangerous?

Over the last few years, things have improved. The admin, who are responsible for those environments, have become more sensitive to their occurrences. Policies have been established that clearly state abuse of such type would result in the person being banned from the game.

If caught in such a situation, normally a complaint to an admin of the game will suffice in ending any problems.

During that same period, more people have gained access to the Internet. With that comes a wider range of people with diverse backgrounds. There are no restrictions to being on the Internet. And anyone who has access to the Internet also has access to email and the Worldwide Web.

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Cyber-stalking
Much like cyber-rape, cyber-stalking is when unwanted attention is given and continues to be given. In the "cyber" sense of the term, a person tracks you down and continues to either email or bother you. Most eMail systems allow you to block an address or person from bothering you. Also, alerting your email's support group can help to track down the culprit. Most mailers now provide an address like "spam@" to handle such situations.

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