Rape in Cyberspace

Q: Did Bungle commit Rape?

Cyber-rape and real rape have some similarities. Since real rape's physical effects can be much more short-lived than the mental and emotional effects, it seems to be quite similar. In the past year the American Institute of Mental Health acknowledged online gaming as an actual addiction and mental health risk. I think this provides a good example of how people can become mentally invested in an online persona. So it would follow that if someone is so emotionally involved and a traumatic event happens, the consequences to that person can be severe.
While not as visceral as actual rape, it can still be brutal. The line is much grayer, as it depends on the person whether or not it has an effect. Women who are not that invested in it may not be nearly as affected as one who participates actively on a frequent basis and feels a strong connection to that online community.
There are many similarities between the emotional effects of rape. Violating someone has real effects no matter in which way it occurs. It also struck me how he attempts to call into question the black and white difference between physical action and mental intention. That has always been assumed to be the final barrier that decides whether or not something is a crime or not. That is an interesting new gray area. Online avatars establish identity in a whole new way.