
There are rules to internet interactions. Most of them are to protect us from the dangers of cybersex. It is simple, really. You cannot engage in cybersex unless both people in the conversation explicitly consent to the act. Otherwise it's cyberrape. That's right, I said it, and I'm not taking it back. You cannot have me inadvertently helping you get off, because I have a say in the matter. Where is my say, I ask you?
Rules of engagement, people, are not to be messed with because they exist to protect you (and especially me!) from the wily, sneak attack tactics of cybersex frequenters. As a victim I am slightly traumatized, kind of grossed out, and totally indignant at the graphic words spewed at me on MSN by somebody I trusted. I feel dirty, dirty like a poor hair extension hanging perilously from the unwashed scalp of one Britney Spears. Where is my protection, where is the justice, where is the BLOCK command? As I watched like the proverbial deer in the headlights with shock, dismay and, I'll admit, vague fascination (there were words...very bad words used) I could not help wanting to scream "Stop, I have not consented, computer pervert, get that hand where I can see it (or not)!" With my jaw dropping, eyes bugging out, and fingers unmoving (he didn't seem to actually need me to respond) I decided that cyberrape is not cool. I was violated intra-computerly and I did not like it. My response? Get up from my desk, go to my bed, face the wall and fall asleep in the fetal position. I asked myself, before I shuddered to sleep, "My God, does this guy not know there are rules?"
Rule #1: Cybersex was only cool circa 1996 when the Internet exploded and it basically became a haven for dirty, little chat rooms full of pervs waiting to victimize their keyboards with their "sacred seed" fluidy goodness.
Rule #2: If, for you, cybersex is still in (which is sad cause you now have Lavalife which almost guarantees you real life sex) then you have to have written consent from the other person involved to engage in such activity.
Rule #3: You must never, ever, ever underhandedly, slyly, sneakily guide the conversation into cybersex territory only to ambush the poor innocent on the other side of the computer. It is simply not done.
Rule #4: As a cyberrapist, you must never, ever, ever contact the victim of your grossly miscalculated cybersex attack (Don't try it, because I will find your facebook password and make your status _____ is A DIRTY, DIRTY CYBERRAPIST MAN! And don't think I won't, because I will. Don't test me, cybersex boy.)
I am done. I will now return to my therapy session of mint chocolate chip ice cream, trashy gossip magazines, and the sweet, sweet tunes of Michael Jackson.....he assures me I am not alone.