It’s also potentially a crime in the United States.
Cyberstalking is an increasingly common problem that can create considerable mental distress.
It is often methodical, deliberate, and persistent.
Fizkes / iStockphoto
It’s not just digital creeping or lurking.
It’s a real form of stalking and can feel incredibly disturbing and invasive.
Not only that, but the messages they send are often inappropriate, disturbing, or even threatening.
How Common Is Cyberstalking?
Evidence suggests that cyberstalking is a growing problem.
These actions included physical threats, sexual harassment, and stalking.
Online impersonality, GPS tracking, threatening messages, catfishing, and doxing are also behaviors associated with cyberstalking.
So what is considered cyberstalking?
They also might have trouble sleeping and even complain of stomach trouble.
The consequences of cyberstalking also impact a person’s mental health and overall wellbeing.
Frequently, people who have been a target of cyberstalking experience distress,anxiety, anddepression.
And, if you or a loved one are in immediate danger be sure to call 911 right way.
You also should consider getting help from a mental health professional.
They can help you process your feelings as well as provide support and guidance for what you’re experiencing.
Here are some steps you should consider taking.
Here are some things you should be doing on a regular basis.
Here’s everything you should probably know about dealing with cyberstalking.
have a go at set up these roadblocks to cyberstalking.
For this reason, you should probably do everything you’re able to to increase your safety.
You also should prepare yourself for the possibility that their online harassment could escalate to in-personstalking.
So, verify you’re also taking steps to keep yourself safe at home, school, and work.
It may even help to create asafety plan.
This includes contacting the appropriate authorities and collecting evidence of their actions.
You also may want to consider talking with an attorney.
Here are the key points that will need addressed when taking action.
Cyberstalking is a serious crime, and it can result in serious consequences for those who engage in it.
Anti-Stalking Laws
For instance, the federal law against stalking is often used in these cases.
State Laws May Also Apply
As for state laws, those vary from state to state.
If you are curious about your state’s cyberstalking laws, contact your local police department.
They should be able to tell you what laws your state has to address cyberstalking.
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Pew Research Center.Online harassment 2017.
McFarlane L, Bocij P.An exploration of predatory behaviour in cyberspace: Towards a typology of cyberstalkers.First Monday.
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Privacy Rights Clearinghouse.Online harassment and cyberstalking.
