Cyberstalking: a matter for community safety but the numbers do not add up (original) (raw)
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First Monday, 2003
This paper describes the first study to focus exclusively on the prevalence and impact of cyberstalking.
Technological Forecasting and Social Change
Individuals' excessive use of technology-enabled communication platforms, such as social media, has led to scholarly recognition of rising incidences of cyberstalking. Despite considerable studies directed at its examination, the current research on cyberstalking is limited by a lack of clarity on its characterization and prevalence, coupled with a fragmented research focus. To address this limitation, a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) on cyberstalking has been undertaken. Rigorous protocols were applied to identify 49 empirical studies via Scopus and Web of Science, based on specific keywords and article selection criteria. Findings reveal four emergent research themes on characteristics and roles of cyberstalkers, victims, parents, social media, and online service providers, as well as reporting, coping, and prevention strategies discussed in prior studies. Findings imply the need for temporal and cross-cultural validation of measurement scales and prior results by developing sophisticated, theoretically-grounded frameworks. Based on study findings, a research framework is proposed to assist researchers in future examinations of under-investigated associations and constructs. Implications arise for studying potential pre-emptive factors to address cyberstalking at a societal level by disseminating appropriate information to the general public. There is a need to develop stringent legislation and to induce service providers' active participation to prevent cyberstalking.
Cyberstalking Nature and Response Recommendations
Academic Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies, 2013
Cyberstalking is a special form of stalking and involves the use of information and communication technologies as the means and the medium of harassment or intimidation. Cyberstalking can lead to significant and long lasting psychological, economic or even physical effects, and can be a platform for the commission of violent crimes. In the last decade, cyberstalking has received significant attention from researchers, lawmakers, policy officials, and law enforcement agencies. Yet, although there is a significant body of literature on the topic, which recognizes cyberstalking as a very serious and growing problem and discusses various aspects of it, we believe that the phenomenon is not sufficiently examined, particularly considering the rapidly evolving technologies, which give perpetrators unprecedented capabilities. In this paper, in an interdisciplinary approach, we review relevant research and look into the criminalization of cyberstalking. Our paper extends existing knowledge of the phenomenon by analyzing a number of recent real cases, obtained mainly through an online legal research service, to reveal the nature of cyberstalking. We outline the most important aspects and issues raised by this phenomenon and make a number of recommendations as possible solutions to mitigating the risk, from education and awareness to adequate technology and legal response.
Cyberstalking:genuine problem or public hysteria?
Prison Service Journal, 2002
Case studies which provide evidence of growing problem of cyberstalking and illustrate different ways in which victims suffer, and consideration of whether media has exaggerated problem of cyberstalking.
Studies in Media and Communication, 2015
To access the diversity of the population who define themselves as having been cyberstalked and to assess the levels of anxiety and trauma that victims reported. Participants who were self-defined cyberstalking victims (N = 353) were asked to complete an online survey, which consisted of items relating to the experience of offline harassment and cyberstalking, general anxiety and post-traumatic stress symptoms. Participants were also asked to report on the type of relationship they had with the harasser, changes in working life, relationships, finance and third parties subsequent to the experience of being stalked. Overall, the findings revealed that victims of harassment may suffer high levels of psychological distress as a consequence of the experience, with victims of cyberstalking experiencing psychological effects which are broadly comparable to the symptoms seen in PTSD, leaving the victim experiencing feelings of isolation, irritability and guilt. In addition, as with other research on the effects of adverse experiences on mental health outcomes, the respondents of the survey reported much higher levels of psychological distress than levels that have been reported in the general population. It is suggested that both offline and cyberstalking victims suffer comparable high levels of psychological distress as a consequence of the experience and, despite the wide variation in individual experience and reactions to being cyberstalked, this study was able to determine patterns of psychological distress which were comparable to the symptoms associated with PTSD. Individuals displaying symptoms of PTSD find themselves experiencing adverse effects in major domains of life activity, such as social relations and occupational activities.
Victims of cyberstalking: An exploratory study of harassment perpetrated via the Internet
First Monday, 2003
This paper describes the first study to focus exclusively on the prevalence and impact of cyberstalking. A web-based questionnaire was used to collect data from a group of respondents who were recruited by snowball sampling via e-mail. A total of 169 respondents completed the questionnaire. The results of the study found that approximately a third of respondents might be considered victims of cyberstalking. Furthermore, when asked to indicate the level of distress felt as a result of their experiences, almost a quarter of respondents chose a value of ten on a ten-point scale.
International Journal of Distributed Systems and Technologies, 2012
The growth in the use of interconnected devices in the UK is well-documented. Society has embraced new technology allowing access to information, systems, and people; children are being described as digital natives and social networking, internet telephony, and accessing digital entertainment are a major part of their lives. However, whilst the ubiquitous nature of modern communication systems has brought many benefits, there exist a minority that uses the technology to harass others. This paper considers the phenomenon of Cyberstalking and presents an analysis of the problem and the responses provided on the first survey that addresses issue specifically. The paper discusses the nature of attacks, the victim-attacker relationship, the impact of the attacks and the actions taken to resolve the issue. The paper also considers both the legal and technological aspects and presents recommendations to help reduce the occurrence of Cyberstalking.