Behavior issues and safety aspects in the real and virtual spaces

Abstract

The paper focuses on the similarities, differences and correlations between the real and the virtual environment, based on the issue of user safety and on establishing rules of behavior. Real environment is rapidly moving into the virtual world, becoming a parallel space for meeting and exchanging but without physical contact. Network of streets and squares as gathering places are being replaced with social media networks. It's common that the public spaces are 'equipped' with Wi-Fi, ‘digitally networked’ and users are ‘connected’ to their mobile phone and ‘disconnected’ from a real-world environment. Attention is focused on the screen, but not on whoever's sitting on the bench next to us. The virtual world offers more interesting or dynamic content. Recent pandemic conditions and isolation have significantly accelerated the process of transition. Socializing, working and education from home, absence of people in public spaces, were the 'new reality' imposed quickly. Fear in the urban environment is not caused by the physical space, but by personal sense of insecurity from others who can take advantage of certain characteristics of space for their intentions. Cybersecurity can be understood in the same way. It offers a range of possibilities, almost no restrictions, but at the same time it is suitable ground for abuse. It is a place where there is no delay and can be said whatever is desired, even if it is offensive, where information is manipulated, where personal data are often insufficiently protected. With all the advantages and benefits of performing everyday needs, we are not aware how dependent we are on this new 'world’ and how much time we spend in it. Basic rules in the virtual online space should be similar to the accepted form of behavior in offline mode: anything that is unacceptable or prohibited offline should be avoided online too.