Cyberstalking is the use of the internet or other electronic means to stalk or harass an individual, group, or organization. It may include false accusations, defamation, slander, and libel. It may also include monitoring, identity theft, threats, vandalism, solicitation for sex, doxing, or blackmail. Cyberstalking is often accompanied by realtime or offline stalking. In many jurisdictions, such as California, both are criminal offenses. Both are motivated by a desire to control, intimidate, or influence a victim. A stalker may be an online stranger or a person whom the target knows.
Types of cyberstalking
There are many different types of cyberstalking, including:
Online harassment: This includes sending unwanted messages, emails, or social media posts to the victim. It may also include posting embarrassing or private photos or videos of the victim online.
Monitoring: This includes tracking the victim's online activity, such as their location, their social media posts, and their emails.
Identity theft: This includes using the victim's personal information, such as their name, Social Security number, or credit card number, without their permission.
Threats: This includes threatening to harm the victim physically or emotionally. It may also include threatening to harm the victim's family or friends.
Blackmail: This includes threatening to release embarrassing or private information about the victim if they do not do something that the stalker wants.
Effects of cyberstalking
Cyberstalking can have a devastating impact on the victim's life. Victims of cyberstalking may experience fear, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They may also have difficulty sleeping, concentrating, and working. Cyberstalking can also damage the victim's relationships with their family and friends.
How to protect yourself from cyberstalking
There are a number of things you can do to protect yourself from cyberstalking, such as:
Be careful about what information you share online.
Be careful about who you friend on social media.
Use strong passwords and change them regularly.
Be aware of the privacy settings on your social media accounts.
Be careful about what links you click on.
Keep your software up to date.
Be aware of the signs of cyberstalking.
What to do if you are being cyberstalked
If you are being cyberstalked, it is important to take action immediately. Here are some things you can do:
Save all evidence of the cyberstalking, such as emails, social media posts, and text messages.
Report the cyberstalking to the police and the website or social media platform where the cyberstalking is occurring.
Block the stalker from contacting you.
Change your passwords and social media privacy settings.
Talk to a trusted friend or family member about what is happening.
If you need help, there are a number of resources available, such as the National Stalking Resource Center and the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN).
Cyberstalking is a serious crime, and it is important to take it seriously. If you are being cyberstalked, please know that you are not alone, and there are people who can help you.
