The vast world of the Internet offers new methods for learning, but with great promise comes possible danger.

At the University, several courses have incorporated software such as Second Life into the programs. With this required participation comes risk.

Last May at Ohio University, a cyber-shooting occurred when an avatar walked onto the university’s land and opened fire on other avatars.

“Online violence can still carry significant psychological and emotional trauma,” said Larry Gourdine, relationship and sexual violence prevention coordinator at the Office of Violence and Prevention.

“Even though the act is not physical, it is still real. It’s like making a threat on Facebook – the danger is still there.”

“Online violence is prevalent and unfortunate, but people also need to exercise a level of intelligence and take precautions online to protect themselves,” said John Averick, a sophomore statistics major from Hoschton.

Second Life, created by Linden Lab, is a 3-D world utilized at universities across the country as an experimental educational tool. Residents within the 3-D world create avatars that they use to interact with others in real time.

Upon signing up for the software, Linden Lab claims no responsibility or liability for anything that occurs or results from accessing or subscription, according to the Web site’s terms of service.

Because the terms of service release the company from potential liability, there is little room to resolve ethical complaints in a legal way.

“These terms of service are not unique. Most sites create them to limit the amount of liability that they can have,” said William Lee, professor of law of mass communications in Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication. “Most commercial sites, including Facebook, MySpace and CollegeHumor, all have them in some form,” Lee said.

However, the company has measures in place designed to handle problems with harassment, assault, indecency and disturbing the peace.

According to the May 2006 newsletter published for residents of the Second Life community, harassment is the most common violation within the community. Second Life defines assault as shooting, pushing or shoving another resident in a safe area.

“There are a number of tools in place to counteract such actions, including a built-in abuse reporting feature,” said Peter Gray with Lewis PR, the firm handling Linden Lab’s public relations.

Violators are subject to warning, suspension and banishment from the site.

Gray said Linden Lab does not actually mediate disputes between avatars.

“It’s never been our aim to police. All in-world activities and accusations are investigated on a case-by-case basis. However, Linden Lab does not get involved with disputes between residents,” Gray said.