Introduction to Virtual Reality
Last week, I had an unexpected and disturbing experience in virtual reality. I used to be visiting my brother-in-law and we decided to check out his HTC Vive, a virtual reality system. My husband and I took turns playing, and when it was my turn, I placed on the headset and entered a phenomenal and immersive world.
The Experience
I played a game called QuiVr, where you play an archer shooting down the walking dead. The experience was incredibly realistic, and I felt like I used to be really there. My brother-in-law directed me to the highest of the best tower in the sport and suggested I walk off the ledge. I used to be hesitant, but I made a decision to try it. As I stepped off the sting, I felt a rush of fear, but I didn’t fall. I used to be walking on air, and it was an exhilarating experience.
The Dark Side of Virtual Reality
However, my experience took a dark turn once I began a brand new game in multiplayer mode. In this mode, other real-time players appear beside you, and you may interact with them. I used to be playing alongside one other player named BigBro442, and at first, all the things seemed normal. But then, BigBro442’s avatar began to virtually rub my chest. I used to be shocked and uncomfortable, and I told him to stop. But he continued to harass me, making grabbing and pinching motions near my chest.
The Reality of Virtual Harassment
As the harassment continued, I began to feel indignant and frustrated. My brother-in-law and husband were watching, but they couldn’t see the complete extent of what was happening. They thought it was funny, but I used to be scared and uncomfortable. The experience was so realistic that it felt like I used to be really being touched, and it was violating. I ultimately took off the headset and stopped playing, however the experience has stayed with me.
The Bigger Issue
This experience has made me realize that virtual reality is usually a breeding ground for misogyny and harassment. The anonymity of the net world can bring out the worst in people, and girls are sometimes the targets. My brother-in-law had played the sport over and over without incident, but as soon as I joined with my female voice, the harassment began. This raises vital questions on how we will prevent this type of behavior in virtual reality and make it a secure and welcoming space for everybody.
The Need for Rules and Regulation
As virtual reality becomes more realistic and immersive, we’d like to determine clear rules and regulations to forestall harassment and assault. We have to create an area where women and other marginalized groups feel secure and welcome. This would require a concerted effort from game developers, policymakers, and the virtual reality community as a complete. We have to take this issue seriously and work towards making a safer and more inclusive virtual world.
Conclusion
My experience in virtual reality was a wake-up call, and it has made me realize the importance of addressing harassment and misogyny in online spaces. As virtual reality becomes more prevalent, we should be proactive in making a secure and welcoming environment for everybody. This would require education, awareness, and a commitment to making a culture of respect and inclusivity. Only then can we be sure that virtual reality is a positive and empowering experience for all users.
