What is cyberstalking? How cyberstalking works

What is cyberstalking? Understanding the digital threat and how to protect yourself

Stalking has been a long-standing issue, but with the rise of digital technology and social media, it has evolved into a new form of harassment known as cyberstalking. In this article, we’ll answer the question what is cyberstalking, explore how it works, examine common tactics, and share ways to protect yourself online.

Introduction to cyberstalking

Cyberstalking is a form of online harassment that involves using electronic communications technology, such as social media accounts, to stalk or harass an individual, group, or organization. It can take many forms, including false accusations, defamation, slander, and libel. Cyberstalkers may also engage in monitoring, identity theft, threats, vandalism, solicitation for sex, doxing, or blackmail. This type of harassment is a serious issue that can cause substantial emotional distress and, in some cases, may even lead to physical harm. According to the Cyberbullying Research Center, cyberstalking is a growing problem that affects many individuals, particularly vulnerable victims such as college students and intimate partners.

What is cyberstalking

Cyberstalking is a form of online harassment where someone uses the internet and digital tools to stalk, intimidate, or harass another person. This can include persistent emails, social media messages, online threats, or surveillance, which are all examples of cyberstalking behaviors.

Unlike traditional stalking, cyberstalking often happens anonymously, making it harder to identify the person behind the behavior. It can happen anytime, across multiple platforms, and often continues even when the victim asks for it to stop.

How online harassment works

Cyberstalkers use a variety of methods to control, threaten, or scare their victims. These actions are often repeated and targeted, including electronically communicated statements that can contribute to a credible threat and cause substantial emotional distress. Many cyberstalkers are tech-savvy and creative, using online platforms to monitor, impersonate, or blackmail their victims.

The constant, unwanted digital presence can have serious emotional and psychological effects, including anxiety, stress, and fear.

Common examples of cyberstalking

Cyberstalking can take many forms. Some of the most common include:

Sending repeated, unwanted emails or messages
Posting offensive or sexual comments online
Following someone across multiple social media platforms
Creating fake profiles to bypass blocks
Hacking into private accounts
Sharing or threatening to share intimate images
Using GPS or spyware to track someone’s movements
Publicly sharing personal or confidential information
Flooding a victim’s inbox or profile with disturbing content
Pretending to be the victim to damage their reputation
Sending threatening messages

Types of cyberstalking

Cyberstalking can happen in different contexts depending on the relationship between the stalker and the victim, including situations involving an intimate partner.

Stalking by strangers

Not all stalkers are known to their victims. Some are complete strangers who find targets through social media, forums, or online communities. These cases often start randomly and can quickly escalate, making it difficult to identify a particular person responsible due to the anonymity of the internet.

Gender-based cyberstalking

This involves targeting someone based on their gender, often with threats of sexual violence, serious bodily injury, doxing, or other forms of abuse. Victims of gender-based cyberstalking may withdraw from online spaces due to fear and loss of control over their digital presence.

Stalking of intimate partners

Cyberstalking can also happen in romantic relationships, especially after a breakup. A significant percentage of people suspect their romantic partner may engage in such harmful actions by installing monitoring software on their devices. Abusers may send threatening emails, impersonate the victim online, or use technology to monitor and isolate them. This form of cyberstalking is often part of a broader pattern of domestic abuse.

Stalking of public figures

Celebrities and influencers are common targets for cyberstalking. These stalkers often believe they have a personal connection with the person, despite having no real-life relationship, and may issue a credible threat that instills reasonable fear for the individual's safety.

Prevalence of cyberstalking

The prevalence of cyberstalking is a significant concern, with many individuals experiencing online harassment and stalking. According to the Pew Research Center, 41% of Americans have experienced online harassment, and 18% have faced severe forms of harassment, including physical threats and sexual harassment. Cyberstalking can occur through various means, including social media sites, online accounts, and electronic communication devices. Addressing cyberstalking and taking steps to prevent it is essential, as it can have severe consequences for the victim, including emotional distress, anxiety, and even physical harm. The National Center for Victims of Crime reports that cyberstalking is a common form of stalking, with 1 in 5 victims experiencing online stalking.

How to protect yourself from cyberstalking

While it’s not always possible to prevent cyberstalking completely, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk and strengthen your digital safety. Safeguarding your private information, such as names and addresses, is crucial to protect against cyberstalking and prevent stalkers from exploiting your personal data to intimidate or harass you. Learn more about who should have access to your personal data and how to protect it here.

1. Make digital safety a priority

Use strong, unique passwords for all your accounts. This is one of the most effective ways to protect your online presence. Discover how to create strong passwords that keep your data safe.
Log out of accounts after each use, especially on shared devices
Avoid using public Wi-Fi without a secure VPN. Public networks can expose your data to cybercriminals. Learn more about the risks of using unsecured public networks and how to stay safe.
Keep your devices with you and lock them when not in use
Set your social media profiles to private and limit who can contact you
Use a separate email for online shopping, newsletters, and sign-ups
Avoid sharing your home address online to protect against cyberstalking

Don’t accept friend requests from people you don’t know
Avoid sharing personal information like your address or daily routines
Refrain from clicking suspicious links or downloading unknown attachments
Avoid sharing explicit photos online

Reporting cyberstalking

If you or someone you know is a victim of cyberstalking, it is essential to report it to the local police or law enforcement agencies. Cyberstalking is a crime that can cause substantial emotional distress and even physical harm, and it is crucial to take immediate action to prevent further harm. When reporting cyberstalking, it is essential to provide as much evidence as possible, including screenshots, emails, and other documentation of the harassment. It is also important to save evidence of the cyberstalking, as this can be used to build a case against the perpetrator. The Cyberbullying Research Center provides resources and support for victims of cyberstalking, including a report cyberstalking page.

Consequences of cyberstalking

Cyberstalking can cause a wide range of physical and emotional consequences for those who are targeted. Victims may experience anger, fear, and confusion, along with trouble sleeping and stomach problems. The impact on mental health can be profound, leading to distress, anxiety, and depression. In severe cases, cyberstalking can result in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and suicidal ideation. The emotional toll of being stalked online can disrupt a person’s daily life, affecting their social interactions, work, and overall wellbeing. Recognizing the serious consequences of cyberstalking is crucial for understanding the importance of taking action and seeking support.

What to do if you are a victim of cyberstalking

If you are being cyberstalked, it’s important to act quickly and take the situation seriously. Here’s what you can do:

Tell the stalker once to stop contacting you, then avoid further engagement
Block them on all platforms and communication channels
Change your email address and usernames to avoid being tracked
Save copies of every message, post, or email as evidence
Report the behavior to social media platforms or websites involved
Contact your local police department and file a report
Speak to a lawyer if the situation escalates

Your safety comes first. Keep a record of everything and let authorities guide you on the next steps. If you feel you are in immediate danger, do not hesitate to contact emergency services.

Is cyberstalking illegal? Understanding cyberstalking laws

Whether cyberstalking is illegal depends on the country or region, with many places having specific cyberstalking laws. However, many countries have laws that cover this type of behavior.

In the United States

There is no specific federal law for cyberstalking, but existing laws are used to prosecute offenders. The Federal Anti-Stalking Law criminalizes conduct that causes someone reasonable fear or emotional distress, highlighting the importance of anti stalking laws in providing legal protections. The Computer Fraud and Abuse Act can also apply if a stalker gains unauthorized access to someone’s device or private data.

In Denmark

As of January 1, 2022, stalking is a criminal offense under section 242 of the Danish Penal Code, which serves as the stalking statute: “Anyone who, in a manner likely to violate the peace of another person, systematically and persistently contacts, pursues or otherwise harasses that person shall be punished for stalking by a fine or imprisonment for up to three years.” Cyberstalking can fall under this law if the behavior is consistent, systematic, and distressing.

Final thoughts on cyberstalking

Generally speaking, understanding what is cyberstalking is key to recognizing the signs and taking steps to stay safe. Cyberstalking is more than just online annoyance — it’s a serious issue that can affect mental health, privacy, and overall wellbeing.

If you’re being targeted, know that you’re not alone, and there are ways to protect yourself. Speak up, document everything, and reach out for support.