https://www.cnbctv18.com/technology/woman-recalls-gang-rape-in-metaverse-concerns-grow-over-making-vr-platforms-safe-from-sexual-predators-12396992.htm
Woman recalls 'gang rape' in metaverse; concerns grow over making VR platforms safe from sexual predators
Within 60 seconds of joining Meta's (Facebook) metaverse platform Horizon Venues, London-based Nina Jane Patel said a gang of three-four avatars sexually harassed her. "They essentially, but virtually, gang-raped my avatar and took photos as I tried to get away," Patel, co-founder and vice-president of metaverse research Kabuni Ventures, wrote in a post on Medium.com.
@vivify saidMaybe this lady needs to stop watching these cartoons and get her entertainment elsewhere.
https://www.cnbctv18.com/technology/woman-recalls-gang-rape-in-metaverse-concerns-grow-over-making-vr-platforms-safe-from-sexual-predators-12396992.htm
Woman recalls 'gang rape' in metaverse; concerns grow over making VR platforms safe from sexual predators
Within 60 seconds of joining Meta's (Facebook) metaverse platform Horizon Venues, London-based Nina J ...[text shortened]... der and vice-president of metaverse research Kabuni Ventures, wrote in a post on Medium.com.
@vivify saidThere is also a concern about paedophilic crimes on avatar based platforms. I don’t know how strictly monitored and policed these sites are, not sure what can be done either. Harassment and bullying to the point of suicide has been rife online from almost day one. I’m sure it’s time that these platforms need to find a way of greatly reducing the incident rate or suffer some serious financial and possibly serious criminal consequences along with the perpetrators.
[youtube Metaverse Rape]_coWu3jYHUk[/youtube]
Since there are laws against online bullying and harassment, should virtual simulations of sexual assault also be illegal? The woman who reported the virtual encounter says that she experienced trauma from the event and developed anxiety. It was virtual, yes; but it affected the woman in reality.
@contenchess saidIn the case of minors the punishment would lean very heavily on the platform who would also have to finance some counselling services for the perpetrators.
@kevcvs57
Considering most of the people you just described who bully others are not even adults yet...what do you propose?
In the case of adults incarceration would not be off the table and bare minimum placement on a register.
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13 Mar 22
@vivify saidthere is really no hope for you people…🙄
https://www.cnbctv18.com/technology/woman-recalls-gang-rape-in-metaverse-concerns-grow-over-making-vr-platforms-safe-from-sexual-predators-12396992.htm
Woman recalls 'gang rape' in metaverse; concerns grow over making VR platforms safe from sexual predators
Within 60 seconds of joining Meta's (Facebook) metaverse platform Horizon Venues, London-based Nina J ...[text shortened]... der and vice-president of metaverse research Kabuni Ventures, wrote in a post on Medium.com.
@vivify saidThat is interesting.
[youtube Metaverse Rape]_coWu3jYHUk[/youtube]
Since there are laws against online bullying and harassment, should virtual simulations of sexual assault also be illegal? The woman who reported the virtual encounter says that she experienced trauma from the event and developed anxiety. It was virtual, yes; but it affected the woman in reality.
It means, for example, that there’s a difference between “in game” and “avatar based social interaction”.
In a game, like dungeons and dragons, you can threaten to kill someone. You can’t do that on facebook.
If you’re using an avatar in a virtual reality… one would nearly presume it’s game play. Then suddenly it’s not. It’s more like a telephone conversation or meeting in a pub.
But at the same time it’s not. Because it is virtual. So, it’s blurring reality, social media and gaming to the extent that what happens to the virtual character is literally experienced by the real person.
And this is before plug-ins (which are bound to happen) which would allow touch sensations.
And here I am, always whining about social media being the end of civilisation as we know it. And well, how does that song go? “You ain’t seen nothin’ yet!”
For maybe the 3rd time in my 15 to 20 years on this forum, I’ve actually stumbled upon a topic which is worthy of real philosophical, moral, sociological and legal debate.
Thank you. I will give it a good thinking over.
@shavixmir saidKeep in mind that even in online games where characters kill each other, some behavior is prohibited, like using abusive, racist language. Tea-bagging was also mentioned, and some game companies ban the practice (when you simulate putting your genitals on another character's face by having the character squat down repeatedly). So unwelcomed behavior exists even in violent games.
That is interesting.
It means, for example, that there’s a difference between “in game” and “avatar based social interaction”.
In a game, like dungeons and dragons, you can threaten to kill someone. You can’t do that on facebook.
If you’re using an avatar in a virtual reality… one would nearly presume it’s game play. Then suddenly it’s not. It’s more like a telephone conversation or meeting in a pub.
As far as virtual reality blurring the lines between reality, the internet already does that. Online forums have people with made-up monikers who use avatars. And though internet interaction is mostly text-based, emotions fly, people get offended, threats are made, etc. If virtual reality-based interaction gets popular in the same way text-based interaction, the ability to see someone on a forum being an a-hole is magnified. Instead of just saying something offensive, you could actually do it.
Imagine a VR version of RHP, where in addition to insults being thrown, members could also give the finger? Imagine what lewd acts someone with a virtual body could do on RHP, if they were among the more racist, sexist and vile posters on this site?
Just because something is virtual, that doesn't necessarily make it a game. Heated arguments in a virtual world won't feel like a game. VR is the future of internet interaction, and it will feel just as (and probably even more) real as the emotion we already encounter from people just using keyboards.
13 Mar 22
@vivify saidYou can give people the finger on this forum. I need to use my phone though for the emoji.
Keep in mind that even in online games where characters kill each other, some behavior is prohibited, like using abusive, racist language. Tea-bagging was also mentioned, and some game companies ban the practice (when you simulate putting your genitals on another character by have the character squat down repeatedly). So unwelcomed behavior exists even in violent games.
...[text shortened]... (and probably even more) real as the emotion we already encounter from people just using keyboards.
The point being that this forum is social media.
But a game is a game. Of course there are rules. I play Civilisation. It's not on the menu of options to plunder and rape a city you conquer. So it can't happen.
You can ask yourself, if you're building a game, why would you build in the option to tea-bag or cut off the genitals and place them in the victim's mouth? It's a bloody game.
The difference is, if I said here I am raping you and you're squealing like a pig, it will only be an insult. If this was a group app and I was saying it, it would be a direct threat (and bullying).
But in the example you provide, these lines are completely blurred. You can hold down an avatar and virutally rape it. And the person on the real-side of the avatar experiences it as such.
That's my point. That is one step further than what's generally going on at the moment.
What happens when you plug in touch-sensors?
I find it fascinating.