Cyberstalking
Cyberstalking
Cyberstalking
Cyberstalking involves using the internet, cell phone, and/or any other electronic communication device to stalk
another person. Cyberstalking may involve false accusations, threats, identity theft, damage to data or
equipment, solicitation of minors for sexual purposes, and any other form of repeated offensive behavior. It
may include ‘creeping,’ in which a person acquires the personal information about another through the internet,
typically social networking sites.
Cyberstalking can happen anywhere, including at home, work, and even school. Cyberstalking can occur in
chat rooms, message boards, discussion forums, emails, text messages, and on social networking sites;
basically anywhere there is access to electronic communication devices.
Co-workers
Former spouses
Friends
Boyfriends
Girlfriends
Ex-partner
Online acquaintances
The majority of the time the cyberstalker is someone the victim knows. However, at times there are
cyberstalkers who will find their victims by using a search engine and become obsessed with finding
information about the victim. This may be done without the victim even knowing someone is obtaining
information about them.
Although both males and females can be victims of cyberstalking, females between the ages of 18-30 are most
likely to become victims.
Anxiety
Changes in eating and sleeping patterns
Fear for safety
Nightmares
Paranoia
Stress
What are possible effects of being a victim of cyberstalking?