What is Cyber stalking?

Posted on March 24, 2008
Filed Under Internet, Online, Safety Tips, Social networking sites |

Cyber stalking is a crime in which the predator targets a victim using electronic communication, such as IM, e-mails or mobile phones.

Cyber stalkers aim at the destruction of the reputation of the victim and want other people to distrust them. Cyber stalkers target their victims in chat rooms, message boards, discussion forums, and e-mail. A cyber stalker relies upon the anonymity afforded by the electronic means to stalk their victim without being detected. Cyber stalking messages will be in a threatening manner where there is a constant unwanted advances or harassing by the individual. These messages are not like spams where its target to a multitude of recipients rather it is targeted to an individual who is carefully chosen. The path taken by stalkers may start with e-mail messages most often, followed by discussion forums messages, and less frequently with chat. In some cases, cyber stalking develops from a real-world stalking incident and continues over the Internet.

Online stalking can be a terrifying experience for victims, placing them at risk of psychological trauma, and possible physical harm. Many Cyber stalking situations do evolve into off-line stalking, and a victim may experience abusive and excessive phone calls, vandalism, threatening or obscene mail, trespassing, and physical assault.

Some of the tips to guard against Cyber stalking include staying anonymous than providing a detectable online presence. Choose a gender neutral name while online and do not disclose any personal identifiable information so that others can trace you.

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