Virtual reality (VR) and online social spaces are creating exciting new ways for people to connect. You can use an avatar in these digital worlds: a virtual character representing you. However, this connection can bring both bad and good things.In virtual reality, harassment can feel worse than in any other online space because other users can talk to you in real time as if they are just in front of you. Like in real life or on social media, some people might be unkind or harass others in virtual worlds.As more people use the internet and VR, the safety and security risks are increasing, too. Let’s look at the good and challenging sides of these new digital social spaces. Defining and identifying online harassment in virtual worldsOnline harassment is harassing people with the use of technology. It can take place on social media, messaging, and gaming platforms. It is when someone repeatedly behaves in an unwelcome and offensive way towards others on the internet, which causes them distress or fear. This harassment can take different forms in virtual worlds:1. Verbal abuseThis is when someone uses mean words to insult you, describe you, or say something about the group you belong to (like your race or gender). It’s like when someone bullies you at school, but it's happening in a computer game or virtual world instead.2. StalkingThis is similar to if someone is following you around in real life with you being uncomfortable and scared, though it’s happening in digital space. This means constantly appearing near someone's avatar or tracking their movements.3. GriefingThis is when someone acts like a digital bully in a virtual world. It's similar to a real-life troublemaker but happens in games or online spaces. These people deliberately try to ruin others' fun and enjoyment. They might annoy or mean things to upset or frustrate other users.4. DoxxingIt's like threatening to tell everyone a secret about someone. In this case, the secret is who the person is in real life. When someone plays a game or hangs out in a virtual world, they might use a made-up name to keep their real identity private. A doxxer threatens to share the person's real name, where they live, or other personal information to scare or control the person.Legal challenges of online harassment in virtual worldsVirtual worlds are becoming more realistic, which presents challenges in online harassment. Current laws don't work for these online spaces because they were made for physical world interactions. Some big challenges are:

1. Virtual consent: It's hard to know when someone agrees to something online. People feel strongly about their avatars, but it's easy to misunderstand each other in these spaces.

2. Anonymity: Being anonymous online can make some people bolder about harassing other users. It's also difficult to catch these troublemakers when you need to know who they are.

3. Mental health effects: Even though it's happening in a digital world, online bullying can hurt people's feelings and can have some effects on their mental health.

4. Legal confusion: It's tough to figure out which real-world laws apply in virtual spaces, especially when users are worldwide.

These virtual platforms could be a new way for someone to break an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (AVO). For example, if someone cannot contact their ex-partner in real life, they might try to harass them in a virtual world instead.Current laws in places like the US, EU, UK, and South Korea may provide some guidance, but they must be made with virtual worlds in mind. We need new ways to define harm in virtual spaces, get clear consent, decide which laws apply, and determine how the companies running these worlds should handle bad behavior.How to protect yourself online?

Bullying graphic; image courtesy of johnhain via Pixabay, www.pixabay.com

Staying safe in virtual platforms is important, especially since laws and regulations don't always address the unique problems that arise in online spaces.Step 1: Stay anonymousKeep your real identity private. Use a pseudonym for your avatar and avoid sharing personal details like your location or phone number.Step 2: Be careful with interactionsIt's best to be cautious when hanging out in these virtual spaces. If you're meeting someone, bring along a virtual buddy like you would in real life.Step 3: Use the platform’s safety featuresMost virtual worlds have built-in safety tools. Look for privacy settings that control who can contact you. If someone's behaving badly, report them to the platform moderators.Step 4: Protect your accountsUse strong, unique passwords and, if possible, set up two-step verification. Be alert for phishing attempts to steal your login information.Step 5: Seek supportIf online interactions are causing you stress, reach out for help. Many resources are available for victims of virtual harassment. Don't suffer alone – support is out there.Step 6: Take action against harassmentYou have the power to act. Block users who bother you, save evidence of harassment, and contact community members for support.Summing upVirtual worlds offer new spaces where people can meet and have fun, like a digital playground. But just like in the real world, these virtual spaces can have some risks, too, like cyberbullying.The good news is that you can stay safe even though laws aren't quite ready for these new spaces yet. Stay private, be careful who you talk to, use the safety tools, and keep your account secure. If someone bothers you, don't be afraid to block them or ask for help. Remember, just because it's happening in a virtual world doesn't mean it can't affect you in real life. If something feels off, speak up. Your safety matters most, even in a virtual world.