Habbo Hotel's Virtual Theft
Don’t you hate it when the older generation try and get ‘down’ with the kids by talking their language, but they just end up making an arse of themselves? The Null’s very own Andrew Impey is about to do just that following the revelation that a Dutch lad has been arrested for stealing virtual furniture.I’m reliably informed that the online phenomenon Habbo Hotel is a combination of a chat room and an online game aimed at teenagers and it’s in the news because of a virtual theft involving, of all things, furniture.
Habbo was started by two Finns back in August 2000 and in that time it has grown into this virtual community in over 30 countries, across five continents. The chatrooms are veiled in the guise of a hotel and virtual members form the local residents, all having ‘cool’ user names.
Not only does it seem pivotal to your online kudos to possess a cool tag, it also transpires that your room’s furniture is crucial to your online status. Am I
 |
| So this is what it's like to be cool these days - give me strength |
Virtual furniture, called "furni" by players, can be bought by players using credits, which are bought using real-life currency. Is it just me or does this smack of exploitation of pocket money? They might as well just put up a big sign in the hotel lobby saying “give us your juice money”.
Well, the pressure has got so great that a Dutch 17-year-old has just been arrested for allegedly stealing €4,000 worth of virtual furniture, bought with actual money. Five 15-year-olds are also helping police with their enquiries.
They say you know you’re old when you try to straighten out the wrinkles in your socks and discover you aren't wearing any. Well by god, do I feel old right now, and it’s all down to virtual furniture.
If you want to make yourself a dodgy virtual buck or two visit the Habbo homepage. If you thought that was mad, try one of our regular features for size:
 |
 |
 |
Everyone's favourite - Top Tens
Some crazy mags - Peculiar Periodicals
What are you afraid of? - Phunny Phobias
How clever are you? Spoof or Troof
I'm bored at work - End of week timewasters
You're having a laugh - It's bleedin' obvious
Hey good looking - Hot scientist of the week
Your Say:
I sent your link to friends and one came back with these to add to the theme virtual rape on Second Life and bullying on MySpace. The youth of today!
Jas Singh
Images: Habbo
Share this
