Originally published on CyberInquirer.

A quick google search will reveal thousands of hundreds of thousands of hits for the term cyberstalking. Indeed, as of today, there are over 900,000 posts where the word is used. Perhaps not surprisingly, many of the listings involve teen cyberbullying and child protection issues. There are also large numbers of celebrities who are cyberstalked or otherwise harassed. Beyond juveniles and celebrities, the most frequently stalked demographic are 18-32 year old females, a cohort to which some of our own bloggers (and co-publishers) belong. Curiously, reports indicate that more and more women are also the cyberstalkers, not just the victims. Anecdotal stories suggest many of these women are married but unhappy with their lives.

According to a federal government report, cyberstalking generally refers to the use of the Internet or other electronic communication to harass, threaten, or intimidate someone. It also can include attempts to gather information about the victim. Motivations can range from obsession for love to revenge and hate to ego and power trips. 

Most problematic, the feds caution that such conduct could presage more harmful behavior, including physical violence. As a result, virtually every state has enacted laws that address cyberstalking, cyberbullying, or both. Texas recently enacted such a law.  The greatest internet resource of all-time, Wikipedia, has an article discussing various states' legislation here.

But anti-cyberstalking laws are not the only remedies available to those being stalked or harassed. Indeed, computer experts and plain old cyber geeks (many under the age of 25 like your kids and mine) have developed software programs which enable those being stalked to identify their stalkers. Government officials are also encouraging victims to not take stalking lightly and to report anything that makes them feel uncomfortable or threatened.

Bottom line, if you're being stalked, don't just let it go. You can fight back. You can identify your cyberstalker. Police and other government officials are there to help. Prevention is the best medicine.

And, if, perchance, you are or are thinking about cyberstalking, stop before you get outed and caught. Its not only dumb, its criminal. And it can't be worth the damage that will be done to your life and reputation. Take that as gospel.

www.cozen.com

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