1993

Bruckman, Amy S.

Gender Swapping on the Internet

http://www-static.cc.gatech.edu/~asb/papers/gender-swapping.txt

In text-based virtual reality environments on the Internet called MUDs, it is possible to pretend to be the opposite gender. In these virtual worlds, the way gender structures basic human interaction is often noticed and reflected upon. This paper introduces MUDs, and then presents a community discussion about gender issues that MUDs inspired. Gender swapping is one example of ways in which network technology can impact not just work practice but also culture and values.