The fascination with the “metaverse,” sparked by Facebook’s rebranding to Meta, is on the rise. This concept, often referred to as a “meta-universe,” represents a digital realm where reality and virtuality converge, embodying a science fiction-like vision. It enables users to navigate between different devices and engage in a virtual environment.
With Facebook’s transition to the name Meta, the global focus has shifted towards this virtual universe known as the Metaverse.
It’s becoming increasingly common for people to work, and even purchase virtual land in the Metaverse, highlighting its growing influence. However, alongside these opportunities, the Metaverse also presents certain risks.
A striking example of these risks was reported in the USA by a 43-year-old mother of four, Nina Jane Patel. She shared a distressing account of being sexually assaulted in Facebook’s virtual world shortly after she joined it.
Her experience sheds light on the darker aspects of these virtual spaces, raising concerns about safety and the need for protective measures in the Metaverse.
ATTACKED BY THREE MEN
Nina Jane Patel, a 43-year-old mother of four, described a distressing experience in the virtual world of the Metaverse. She created an avatar for herself, which she designed to look similar to her real-life appearance: middle-aged, blonde, dressed in jeans and a long-sleeved top. However, her entry into this virtual realm was marred by a troubling incident.
Upon entering the ‘lobby’ of the Horizon Venues metaverse, which functions as a gateway to various virtual spaces like cities and parks, Patel’s avatar was immediately accosted.
Within just 60 seconds, she encountered three male avatars, each with distinctly male voices.
These avatars began to inappropriately touch her avatar and even took screenshots of their actions, including touching both the upper and lower parts of her avatar’s body.
They made lewd comments, such as “Don’t act like you don’t like it,” adding to the harassment.
As she attempted to escape, these avatars followed her. This virtual assault was so unsettling that Patel had to remove her headset, which was her window into the Metaverse, to end the ordeal.
Although she was aware that the attack wasn’t physical, the experience deeply troubled her, particularly concerning the safety of her daughters in such virtual environments.
Her account highlights the potential risks and need for safeguarding measures in these emerging digital spaces.
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