Cyberrape, Cannibalism & Crime: The ‘dark side’ of Virtual Communities

I think it is quite obvious by now, that I really liked Week 6’s reading; I still manage to find bits in Flew’s chapter that I can relate to in my blogs. I want to take this opportunity to expand on what I said in April 16th post about deviant communities…
In his chapter, Flew briefly mentions the psychology of internet users. This allows him to mention the dangers of ‘internet addiction’ (2007, 69). This captured my attention, because I live with two other students who play about 7-8 hours of World of Warcraft everyday. At first this shocked me – however it is now the least of my disturbing discoveries in relation to the ‘dark side’ of online culture.

[Now, I just wanted to insert a disclaimer here: I am not a sick or twisted person. But Flew’s subtle comments triggered my interest in such areas. We all talk about online communities in terms of social networking or common interest – but what about those that are morally unacceptable? This is what I have honed in on from my earlier entry on Voyeurism.]

Just as I log onto the forum of my favourite band every couple of days, someone in another part of the world logs onto a Neo Nazi White Supremacists website, or shares child pornography online. Please don’t get me wrong – this deviant behaviour is by no means a creation of the internet. However, it is undeniable that the web creates new avenues for these people to interact and encourage immoral behaviour.
At the risk of sounding like I am caught up in a moral panic, I really do believe the internet is desensitizing us. Take the example Flew used, where legions of like-minded individuals began popping up on the internet during the 2004 trial of Amirn Miewes – the German cannibal who murdered and partially consumed his victim for sexual pleasure (2007, 69). He notes that cannibalism precedes the internet, but the fact remains… We now have a global channel enabling, and dare I say enticing, similar fetishes.

As a law and media/communications student, I find this all oddly fascinated (remember the disclaimer!). I think for years we have taken for granted the term “…what happens behind closed doors”, and perhaps now with the expansion of online communities we must face up to ugly facts. Having said this, in contrast you could argue the internet is a safe option that allows sexual predators and other deviants to “virtually” commit their dirty deeds, vicariously protecting the livelihoods of others and not breaking the law. I’m torn. I suppose it all depends on the psychology of the deviant in question.

Again, sending me off on another tangent, Flew discussed briefly the concept of cyberspace rape (2007, 70) which I have since followed up. This is what I discovered:

“Last month, two Belgian publications reported that the Brussels police have begun an investigation into a citizen's allegations of rape -- in Second Life.”
Read more on this here: http://www.wired.com/culture/lifestyle/commentary/sexdrive/2007/05/sexdrive_0504

Furthermore, the Four Corners transcript discusses the symbolical and psychological damage electronic violation can have on a person. In terms of current legal framework, I couldn’t find any revelent to Australia. I suppose there is none; after all, it is just a game. Though perhaps this is a new legal area that emerging law students should aware of?

Never the less, I can’t help but wonder, what is the world coming to?

References:
Flew, Terry. (2005). Virtual Cultures in Flew, Terry, New Media : an introduction, Melbourne: OUP, pp.61-82.

Fullerton, T. 2007. ABC Four Corners: "You only live twice" [Transcript]http://www.abc.net.au/4corners/content/2007/s1876134.htm (accessed May 12, 2008)