New story reflection by Kit Chan

The link: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35272248/ns/us_news-crime_and_courts/ This news relates to our topic which is online communities. The news talks about a rape case on the internet, but it really happened in the reality. A woman in Casper really was assaulted at her home. Therefore, the authorities have charged two men. One has charged with carrying out the rape. Another is accused of posing as the victim online and said that the woman had rape fantasy. We have to think about our online identity affect our daily life or not. In the news, a man pretended the victim online and posted a “rape fantasy” message on the internet. No one can imagine that there is someone get that message and make it true at last. People always believe that cyber space is a fiction. They can have fun with any responsibility, because the online identity does not represent your real identity. For example, people can scold or threaten who they hate. They can attract people by malicious language through the online identity. People usually get hurt mentally, but this time is different. The victim got assault physically. This proved that what you do on the internet can relate your real identity. Therefore, we have to think about even your online identity is fake or not, this could affect your daily life seriously. The other argument is the laws can be applied for the cyber space or not. This news answered us yes. It is a wise and suitable decision for the criminals. People cannot believe that it is illegal to pretend others’ identity online and send out some kind of fantasy message. The regulations can have deterrent effect for the cyber users. This can make the users pay more attention on responsibility. They will think clearly before they have to leave their comment or post something online. I think it is great that the laws can regulate the internet users to decrease the internet crime.