Cyber stalking
Cyberstalking is a form of online harassment where an individual persistently uses digital platforms to monitor, follow, intimidate, or threaten someone. This could involve tracking social media activity, sending obsessive messages, or using personal information to cause harm. Unlike physical stalking, it often happens anonymously, making it harder to identify the perpetrator. It can result in serious emotional, mental, and physical consequences, especially when online behavior gives away real-time personal details.
- Possible Dangers
• Loss of privacy and sense of security
• Emotional and psychological trauma
• Physical harm in extreme cases
• Increased risk of real-life stalking or assault
- Risky Digital Practices
• Posting real-time updates about daily activities or travel plans
• Sharing location-tagged photos or hotel check-ins publicly
• Accepting unknown friend/follower requests
• Revealing personal details like routines, loneliness, or availability
- Precautionary Cybersecurity Practices
• Avoid sharing your current location or itinerary in real time
• Post about travel or events after they’ve concluded
• Restrict visibility of personal posts to trusted friends only
• Regularly review and tighten privacy settings on social media
• Educate yourself on how to report and block suspicious users
- Fictional Case Study: Sneha’s Online Romance Trap
Reena, a college student and social media enthusiast, frequently posted updates of her daily life and solo travel plans. During a trip to Goa with friends, she shared her hotel name and mentioned she was alone and tired that night. Raju, a stranger who had been silently following her posts for months, used this information to locate and assault her. This unfortunate incident could have been avoided by limiting real-time personal updates and strengthening privacy settings.