Cyberstalking increasing on university campuses
By: Aditi Dubey
Issue date: 6/1/07 Section: News
Originally published: 6/1/07 at 1:47 AM EST
Last update: 6/1/07 at 1:47 AM EST
Originally published: 6/1/07 at 1:47 AM EST
Last update: 6/1/07 at 1:47 AM EST
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D'Ovidio said that e-mail and direct-connect stalking involves online services or tools that facilitate a private interaction between the offender and victim, like instant message, text messages and e-mail. Internet stalking, on the other hand, takes place in a public forum rather than a private interaction.
"With computer stalking, the stalker exploits the workings of the Internet and the operating system to assume control over the computer of the victim," D'Ovidio said. "Most of the time, these are first time offenders who aren't really aware of what is acceptable and what is a violation."
Internet Service Providers also are receiving a growing number of complaints about harassing and threatening behavior online. One major ISP receives approximately 15 complaints per month of cyberstalking, in comparison to virtually no complaints of cyberstalking just one or two years ago, the Attorney General's report said.
Although the Internet provides an ample amount of victims, D'Ovidio says there are steps people can take to protect themselves online.
"First and foremost be familiar with the policies and procedures of your Internet Service Provider for blocking unwanted users and reporting harassment, threats and bullying," D'Ovidio said.
D'Ovidio also that some providers have different standards of how and much of a customer's private information is shared and students should restrict access to their information to trusted others when using online services.
"Be cognizant of postings and images since they can give clues about your identity and whereabouts," D'Ovidio said. "Save evidence of the stalking or harassment, for example, a saved log of that particular chat or a saved copy of the threatening e-mail. Under no circumstance should you respond to the perpetrator in a like-minded manner."
There is no specific anti-cyberstalking law; cases of cyberstalking are prosecuted under existing harassment and terroristic threat statutes. D'Ovidio also said that there is no research to suggest that cases of cyberstalking follow as violent incidents into the physical world. He also said that this, and the psychological impact of cyberstalking on victims, is an area that requires more investigation and research.
"If its makes you alarmed, and if you're threatened by it, then you know it's not appropriate, and you seek assistance through campus security," D'Ovidio said. "And always tell a friend so that you have an extra pair of eyes looking out for you."
"With computer stalking, the stalker exploits the workings of the Internet and the operating system to assume control over the computer of the victim," D'Ovidio said. "Most of the time, these are first time offenders who aren't really aware of what is acceptable and what is a violation."
Internet Service Providers also are receiving a growing number of complaints about harassing and threatening behavior online. One major ISP receives approximately 15 complaints per month of cyberstalking, in comparison to virtually no complaints of cyberstalking just one or two years ago, the Attorney General's report said.
Although the Internet provides an ample amount of victims, D'Ovidio says there are steps people can take to protect themselves online.
"First and foremost be familiar with the policies and procedures of your Internet Service Provider for blocking unwanted users and reporting harassment, threats and bullying," D'Ovidio said.
D'Ovidio also that some providers have different standards of how and much of a customer's private information is shared and students should restrict access to their information to trusted others when using online services.
"Be cognizant of postings and images since they can give clues about your identity and whereabouts," D'Ovidio said. "Save evidence of the stalking or harassment, for example, a saved log of that particular chat or a saved copy of the threatening e-mail. Under no circumstance should you respond to the perpetrator in a like-minded manner."
There is no specific anti-cyberstalking law; cases of cyberstalking are prosecuted under existing harassment and terroristic threat statutes. D'Ovidio also said that there is no research to suggest that cases of cyberstalking follow as violent incidents into the physical world. He also said that this, and the psychological impact of cyberstalking on victims, is an area that requires more investigation and research.
"If its makes you alarmed, and if you're threatened by it, then you know it's not appropriate, and you seek assistance through campus security," D'Ovidio said. "And always tell a friend so that you have an extra pair of eyes looking out for you."
