The Basics of Cyber Harassment
Cyber harassment is the use of electronic communication to harass, stalk or threaten someone. It can include sending threatening or abusive messages, publishing derogatory or private information about someone or engaging in other online activities that make someone feel scared or threatened. Cyber harassment can have a serious impact on its victims, causing them to feel isolated, anxious and even suicidal.
The Effects of Cyber Harassment
The consequences of cyber harassment can be serious and wide-ranging. Victims of cyber harassment may experience depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and social isolation. If left unchecked, cyber harassment can have a lasting impact on the victim’s mental and emotional health. In extreme cases, it has been linked to suicide.
What Is Considered Cyber Harassment
There are a number of different ways cyber harassment can occur, such as:
- Sending threatening or abusive messages
- Publishing derogatory or private information about someone online
- Engaging in online activities that make someone feel scared or threatened
- Creating fake social media profiles or websites to humiliate or embarrass someone
- Sending spam or viruses to someone’s computer
- Attempting to hack into someone’s online accounts
- Posting offensive or derogatory comments on someone’s social media pages
- Threatening to release compromising photos or videos of someone
- Cyberstalking someone by repeatedly sending them unwanted messages or making unwanted contact with them online or offline.