Paper short abstract:

This paper explores accusations of rape in the internet based social networking environment, Second Life. Examining discourses surrounding rape accusations, without the distraction of a penis-in-vagina act, enables a fresh approach to the relationship between consent and the gendered appropriation and control of public spaces.

Paper long abstract:

This paper explores accusations of rape in the internet based social networking environment, Second Life (SL), drawing on case studies and blogger responses. Worldwide, adults participant in SL by creating 'avatars', or digital-representations of themselves, and use a keyboard to control their movements and social engagement with other citizens in a digital world modelled on urban leisure spaces. As in Real Life (RL), social engagement in SL involves power dynamics; accusations of rape are not uncommon. An investigation of rape accusations in the absence of a penis-in-vagina act reveals discoursive similarities with Real Life (RL) rape accusations, including the argument that it is the responsibility of females who do not wish to be harassed or assaulted to avoid particular public spaces, and that failing to do so constitutes tacit consent. The very notion of 'online rape' prompts passionate debate around the ontological status of such acts. Some argue that the mediated corporeal experience of participating in SL is more emotionally intense than in RL, and that experiencing simulated rape can result in psychological trauma akin to RL rape. Many argue that entering SL requires consent and therefore all encounters must be considered consensual; people who do not like the sexualised encounters possible in SL should alter their future use of the space, restricting their avatars to 'safe' regions, or leaving SL altogether. Examining discourses surrounding rape accusations, without the distraction of verifying a penis-in-vagina act, enables a fresh approach to the relationship between consent and the gendered appropriation public spaces.