Benefits and drawbacks to the Internet

Yesterday in class we discussed both benefits of the Internet in terms of allowing/encouraging a queer community to develop a safe space for sexuality construction and expression. In Taiwan and Korea queer individuals are able to turn to the internet for support, information, and place to meet others like themselves.
However, we also learned about cyber-hate and anti-gay speech on the Internet and we discussed how the Internet allows for anonymity and encourages like-minded people to join in on hateful sites.
My question is how do you see your virtual world contributing to these two sides of a coin when it comes to sexuality? In other words, do you feel your virtual world is a positive use of the Internet or do you see negative ideas generated from your virtual space?

Virtual Worlds for Kids

This week we are covering sexuality and the theme for one of your journal entries is "sexuality" so how are you exploring this in selected virtual worlds such as Webkinz, Club Penguin, and Virtual Barbie? Can you help your classmates out here by giving other suggestions of things to look for? Perhaps what sort of lens are you using when you explore your virtual world designed for younger audiences?

Gendering technology, gendering virtual worlds

Based off of our readings today, "Women and Games," do you think it is possible to "gender technology"? How is technology socially constructed? Do you associate certain virtual worlds to certain genders? Why or why not? Did you select your virtual world because a gender you have assigned to it?