Cyber stalking is the use of the Internet or other electronic means to stalk or harass an individual, a group of individuals, or an organization. It may include false accusations, monitoring, making threats, identity theft, and damage to data or equipment, the solicitation of minors for sex, or gathering information in order to harass. The definition of “harassment” must meet the criterion that a reasonable person, in possession of the same information, would regard it as sufficient to cause another reasonable person distress.
Cyber Stalking is said to be like regular stalking but their identity is hidden. There are differences between cyber stalking and regular stalking most usually are in the same area, it is easier to get third parties involved such as in posting on message boards against the intended victim and it easy to get their info out there for everyone to see. Anonymity leaves the cyber stalker in an advantage position. Their identity hidden from the target, the cyber stalker could be in another state, down the street from you, or sits behind you in class.
The cyber stalker can be an ex boyfriend or girlfriend, a stranger you met on a chat room, or a friend playing a prank on you. Since being unable to find out the source of the harassments or threats could be ominous to the cyber stalker victim, with that being said it encourages the cyber stalker to continue his or her acts. Cyber stalkers fine their targets on search engine such as online forms, discussion boards and chat rooms. Also they can find there victims on Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, and Tagged.
These sites are known for self publishing. Cyber Stalkers harass their victims in many ways. Some Cyber Stalker harass their victims by sending them threaten emails non stop. Other Cyber Stalkers post personal information about their victims to harm their image, or to embarrass them. In other cases Cyber Stalkers can make fake accounts to impersonate the victim to load pornographic material. These Stalkers can also trace the victims IP address to find their homes or work place. Cyber Stalkers have many ways to harm their victims.
Another reason a Cyber Stalker stalk victim is to get higher self-esteem. A stalker’s self-esteem rises when they attack your self-esteem. The more pain and suffering they can cause, the better they feel about themselves. There are attempts to stop Cyber Stalking. Cyber Stalking is considered a federal crime; offenders can serve up to five years or fined two hundred fifty thousand dollars. Also President Bill Clinton signed a law in 1998 that help protect children from online stalking.
Ways to prevent from being Cyber Stalked is by not sharing personal information. When making a profile do not use your real name or personal information on the web page. Don’t use your real name pick a name that is gender and age neutral. Also make sure your ISP and Internet Relay Chat network have acceptable use policy that prohibits cyber stalking If you are already being Cyber Stalked there are a few ways to handle the situation. If you are getting unwanted simply tell the person that you would like him or her not to make contact with you again.
Other ways are to save all emails or IM’s for evidence. Do not edit or alter the save data in any way. Also, keep a record of your contacts with internet system administrators or law enforcement officials. An easier way is to simply delete your profile and never use the site again. By reading this paper I hope you learn something about cyber stalking. Also ways you can prevent yourself from being a victim of cyber stalking. Also if you’re being stalked you now know a few ways to deal with the situation.