The first thing I think of when stalking comes to mind today is actually cyberstalking. So, I think we're all probably guilty of checking someone out online. I mean, who hasn't googled an ex at some point? Some people call this "stalking", often in an off-hand kind of humorous way.
But there's a definite line to be crossed where the use of technology is used to harass and instill fear into the person being stalked. According to the dictionary definition, cyberstalking is "the repeated use of electronic communications to harass or frighten someone, for example by sending threatening e-mails." Of course, people are creative. There's always new ways they can come up with to cyberstalk. But, I'd say, the underlying problem is the fear and harassment that can really harm someone and do some serious psychological damage. Anyhow, if you, or someone you know, if facing problems with this, then don't hesitate to seek help! A few places you might want to look into:
http://www.victimsofcrime.org/our-programs/stalking-resource-center
http://stalkingawarenessmonth.org
http://www.victimsofcrime.org/our-programs/stalking-resource-center/help-for-victims/stalking-safety-planning
http://www.victimsofcrime.org/docs/src/stalking-a-handbook-for-victims.pdf?sfvrsn=2
Yep. It's a power trip, plain and simple. And it takes many forms, although cyberstalking is probably the means getting most of the attention right now. Some young people want to share so much, so it can be easy to do, and the results can be devastating.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree! And it's not just young people. There are adults I know who do this, too! It can be frightening.
DeleteCyber-stalking doesn't get enough attention, in my opinion. But it's a very real problem. Not only can it be scary and upsetting to the person on the receiving end, it can easily escalate from cyber-stalking to physical contact. So cyber-stalking is both emotionally harmful, but also has the potential to become physically harmful as well.
ReplyDeleteExcellent topic!
Michelle
So true!! Too many people just laugh it off as if it were something funny. It's scary!
DeleteI found several non fiction books just on this topic. It's pretty scary at the extent some cyber-stalking will go. Some of it you expect to see only on shows like Criminal Minds, but it really does happen in the real world.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great links!
It's amazing the horrible creativity that can go into this sort of thing. It really makes me feel for the poor victims!
DeleteIt is something people joke about, and we shouldn't. It is a serious thing, and it is too often taken lightly.
ReplyDeleteVery true! I hear jokes about it all the time...
DeleteThat's one of the biggest reasons why I decided to write under a pen name. There are just too many weirdos out there nowadays. You can't be too careful.
ReplyDeleteEnlightening post, Meradeth! The cartoon is dead on.
I completely understand about the pen name. It's why I write under another last name. I like to think it helps a little at least! :)
DeleteThere are so many weirdos out their.
ReplyDeleteI have young kids, and monitor what they do online.
My son has a Nintendo 3DS that has a friends capability. I have it locked so he can't be stalked that way. I might be a paranoid parent ,but at least I know what is going on in their lives to try to protect them.
This day and age, you can't be too careful about stuff like that!
DeleteI am curious about this book based on the hop topic. It is crazy what people can find out about us online and what they can track if they decide to do so. Stalking is a scary thing!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing. :)
It is scary! And it's amazing what you can find if you're after it--freaky, really!
DeleteIt's so easy for creepy people to hide behind a computer screen. Everyone should be careful about what they post online and look at settings for their sites.
ReplyDeleteI loved Stina's book.
I'm really looking forward to the book!
Deletewow, I didn't realise those links existed. That's great, because stalking is not.
ReplyDeleteIt was amazing the resources that popped up when I started searching!
DeleteGreat hop! Stina's books sounds interesting. Stalking is really scary, and it's great there are places people can go/ click for help,
ReplyDeleteIt makes me glad there are people who have set up these sites and can help people! Hopefully it reaches those who need it!
DeleteTechnology, I think, has made stalking grow exponentially, unfortunately.
ReplyDeleteI think so, too. It's really pretty sad, really.
DeleteThis is such a powerful topic. It's true that cyberstalking is more socially acceptable because it's solitary. No one knows so it's easier to carry too far.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely! It's so frightening.
DeleteInspiring quest there. What occurred after? Thanks!
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