Cyberstalking is the use of the Internet or other electronic means to stalk or harass an individual, group, or organization. A stalker may be an online stranger or a person whom the target knows. They may be anonymous and solicit involvement of other people online who do not even know the target.
What is it called when you stalk someone online?
Cyberstalking is a term that refers to the misuse of the Internet or other technology to stalk and harass someone. A stalker may contact you by email, social media sites, a messaging app, or through other online spaces/websites.
We define stalking as unwanted or obsessive behavior toward an individual intended to frighten or coerce. This can include bombarding the individual with texts, emails, phone calls or gifts, showing up at someones house or workplace, explicit or implicit threats, blackmail or even sexual assault.
What does stalking someone mean?
Stalking involves behaviors towards a person that make them feel unsafe. Someone who stalks may know their victim intimately, as in a former partner or loved one, or barely at all, as in a celebrity theyve never met. Following and Monitoring: When a person follows you from one place to another, that is stalking.
How long can you go to jail for stalking?
Misdemeanor punishable by maximum fine of $1,000 and/or maximum prison term of 1 year. If injunction or order: misdemeanor punishable by maximum fine of $2,000 and/or maximum prison term of 2 years. Aggravated stalking is a felony punishable by maximum fine of $5,000 and/or maximum prison term of 5 years.
Youre using Instagram stalking to stoke anger and jealousy. Most commonly, people — and especially men — engage in stalking behavior following a breakup. Youre not doing anything wrong by scrolling through Instagram. Even your hurt feelings — including those created from comparing yourself to someone else — are OK.
How do you know if someone is cyberstalking you?
They know everything about you This person may show up unexpectedly in person or may send you messages about what you did that day. Stalkers are constantly watching for new ways to get close to their victims, and that can often mean tracking social media accounts or geotagging in photos.
Can someone go to jail for harassment?
Many states punish first-time harassment offenses as misdemeanors, but punish subsequent harassment convictions as felonies. In addition to jail time and fines, penalties for harassment can include court-ordered psychological counseling.