Online dating cyberstalking

How do you deal with cyberstalking?

Make sure you block the person cyberstalking you from all your accounts. You should block them on social media and on your smartphone. Refuse to respond to any contact. If the person cyberstalking continues to find ways to contact you, do not respond to anything they post or send you.

How common is cyberstalking in the US?

Nearly one-in-five Americans (18%) have been subjected to particularly severe forms of harassment online, such as physical threats, harassment over a sustained period, sexual harassment or stalking. 3. Cyberstalking Stalkers can use the anonymity of the Internet to commit their crimes.

Who are cyberstalkers?

Cyberstalkers can be either strangers or people you know (sometimes ex-partners), and there are many different motives. The more determined or obsessive stalkers become, the more likely they are to move from one online channel to another until your online presence is fully intruded upon.

Is Cyberstalking a new form of harassment?

Even though cyberstalking isn’t particularly new, authorities and legal services still struggle to deal with this kind of harassment. Even users have a hard time noticing the red flags, which is why there are so many dating stories about stalkers or clingy date partners on Reddit and other forums.

How can you prevent cyberstalking?

If you find yourself caught up in a case of cyberstalking, there are two main methods to minimize the adverse consequences: Reduce the amount of information available about you online. Increase the amount of fake information about you that will mislead an attacker.

What do people who cyberstalk do?

In fact, many of those who engage in cyberstalking are technologically savvy as well as creative and come up with a multitude of ways to torment and harass their targets. Here are some examples of things people who cyberstalk might do:

Why is it so hard to find and punish cyberstalkers?

It is difficult to find and punish professional attackers because they know how to anonymize themselves behind fake personas. Plus, most countries have not yet adopted specific laws that regulate cyberstalking. For example, in the US, cyberstalking falls under harassment and anti-stalking laws.

Can I protect myself from online harassment and cyberstalking?

While there’s no guarantee of complete protection from online harassment and cyberstalking, it’s worth noting that the less you put out there (online), the less malicious cyberstalkers and online harassers have to draw from and use against you.

How common is cyberstalking in the US?

Nearly one-in-five Americans (18%) have been subjected to particularly severe forms of harassment online, such as physical threats, harassment over a sustained period, sexual harassment or stalking. 3. Cyberstalking Stalkers can use the anonymity of the Internet to commit their crimes.

Is cyberstalking among adolescents a new form of harassment and persecution?

CYBERSTALKING AMONG ADOLESCENTS: A NEW FORM OF HARASSMENT AND PERSECUTION? With the increasing diffusion of information and communication technologies, phenomena such as cyberstalking begin to have more expression and social visibility, and may have targeted adults, children and / or adolescents.

What is cyberstalking?

Cyberstalking: Harassment in the internet age and how to protect your family. USA: Praeger Publishers. Bocij, P., & McFarlane, L. (2002 ).

What constitutes stalking and harassment in California?

In California, both criminal and civil laws address stalking and online harassment. According to the criminal laws, a stalker is someone who willfully, maliciously and repeatedly follows or harasses another (victim) and who makes a credible threat with the intent to place the victim or victims immediate family in fear for their safety.