In recent posts I have shared my thoughts and concerns about what I have discovered in the ever-expanding cyber world, which I have come to learn is also called the metaverse. I have spoken about the “osphere” and its potential to create subcultures within subcultures. I have discussed how the information highway is connecting “sinners” to God. In my posts I have raised questions on how the cyber world can, and will affect the role of the PR professionals.
Today’s post is no different.
While reviewing Wired’s Web site, I was drawn to the “Danger Room.” The name itself was enough to capture my attention, but what I found inside intrigued me even more.
Terrorism in the metaverse.
Security issues writer, Sharon Weinberger, posted a blog April 4, titled: Congress Freaks out Over Second Life Terrorism.
Philip Rosedale, founder and CEO of Linden Lab, dispelled the terrorism threats when he testified before House legislators, via telecom and the Internet, April 1.
“Second Life does not serve as a playground for terrorist activity,” Rosedale said. Though there has certainly been discussion [about terrorism in virtual worlds], we have never seen any evidence that there is any such activity going on in Second Life.” (source: PCMAG.com)
According to Rosedale, virtual activity is “somewhat more police-able” than real world activities and that in of itself “might make the virtual worlds a less attractive prospect for terrorists.”
The main reason: financial activity of members is policed by Second Life policies.
“We believe that the degree of scrutiny that is created by [policing methods] is quite rich and the pattern recognition of non-standard behavior, Rosedale said. “The average withdrawal from Second Life — from Linden dollars into U.S. dollars – is one dollar, so it’s “relatively easy to spot larger transactions.”
Regardless of the policing policies by Second Life, Congress plans to look into how virtual world activity might help the U.S. fight new trends in terrorism.
This is just a small glimpse into the metaverse universe. Only time will tell where the metaverse will take us and how will affect our future.
Perhaps we, as PR professionals should interact with the citizens of Second Life. In doing so we will learn a great deal about what drives “virtual people” and what their inner most needs and desires are.
We must also keep an open mind. If terrorism can make its way into the metaverse, why cant polygamy?
