The Internet is a Fine Place for Women

Huff, Chuck. "The Internet is a Fine Place for Women," Computers and Society December 1997 (pg 27)

Chuck Huff offers a new perspective regarding the inhospitable behavior a few on the Internet have directed toward women. He is a person with history in this technology. He uses it to write his newspaper column and he also publishes freelance articles about issues of interest. I believe he understands that some women who might genuinely enjoy and profit from participation in the Internet might have second thoughts given this adverse but very real news about the dangers and threats that this form of communication leaves one open to. Especially disturbing are reports of "virtual rape", harassment and degredation that have found their way into Internet forums and recent articles about them. Mr. Huff goes on to point out that despite all of these negatives, there are several positives that he sees. First of all, there is variety in the Net and this grows every day. New web sites are opening every offering a divergence to address the interests and issues of more readers . Additionally, more women are participating in online forums. Women, initially a minority, are beginning to have a voice, without altering anyone elses.
Mr Huff gives all of us some reasonable hope for the future of the Net. For years many of us have heard only the bad and frightening things that are part of this world. Sometimes we forget that the real world can be a dangerous place too. But few of us would quit going outside because of this fear. We learn to be more reasonable and cautious while we enjoy the world.