What is stalking in social networks
It's no secret that as time progresses and human civilization develops, science and technology cause normal or traditional aspects of life, both good and bad, to change and adapt to the times . For example, online harassment (stalking) is now carried out through the internet , among many other situations. Therefore, today we will explore this important topic: "What is stalking on social media? "
Furthermore, it's important to clarify that, since English is the predominant language worldwide for conveying ideas and concepts, the word "stalk" is often used as a synonym for "stalking " or " harassing," or for the act of "tracking someone ." This refers, of course, to electronic or digital means, whether through the internet , specialized websites, social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram , or instant messaging systems like WhatsApp and Telegram.
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But before continuing with this post about "what is stalking on social media ," we recommend that you then explore other useful previous content related to social media, such as:
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What is a Stalker and why do people Stalk?
A stalker can be briefly defined as someone who spends their time spying on what others upload and do online (especially on social media and messaging apps). However, that alone doesn't automatically make them a stalker . For that to be the case, they need to make their presence known and be noticed.
Therefore, when it moves to the level of making itself noticed , of letting its victim or third parties know that it is following us and collecting our information, for specific or undetermined purposes, it becomes a "Stalker" , in the full sense of the word.
Since, although the activity of these "silent observers" usually begins with simple "Likes" or "Shares" , they almost always at some point move on to interacting with the "target person" (victim); whether through tagging, comments on content posted by the harassed person, sending private or direct messages to the victim or third parties known to them.
"Stalking" is an English word derived from the verb "to stalk," meaning "to harass" or "to pursue." This term is applied to an individual who obsessively and persistently harasses, pursues, or bothers another person, who in many cases is a celebrity.
Causes that can lead a person to become a Stalker
Among the causes, which can cause a person to become from a simple stranger or acquaintance on the Internet, to a digital stalker (Stalker) at its best, we can mention the following:
- A psychological problem or disorder of psychotic origin.
- The social rejection of the victim or third parties, known and unknown.
- The overwhelming and uncontrollable desire (obsession) to want to have social contact or sexual intimacy with the victim.
- The materialization of a fantasy, revenge or punishment (hatred), with or for the victim, or some of their close loved ones.
- The investigation for criminal purposes, either to commit identity theft in terms of documents or accounts on the Internet, or theft, fraud or kidnapping of the victim or related third parties.
How to avoid the Stalkers?
To avoid this, you can follow these tips:
- Configure the privacy of our social networks and instant messaging systems to the maximum possible. And according to the interests or needs that we consider necessary.
- Do not post information about our specific home, work or study locations, let alone automatically, or at least publicly visible to anyone.
- Avoid publishing sensitive images that may have elements that could make us a target, such as loved ones (children, parents, partner) or the houses and places they frequent.
- Do not publish specific data or images, about personal valuables, such as: bank cards, contracts, keys, telephone numbers, emails, addresses, jewelry, money, weapons, among others.
- Check what other people post about us, especially when tagging us. For this it is useful to validate the permissions that our followers or friends have, when accessing the information that we publish.
- Do not accept friend requests from unknown people, in RRSS, such as: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, among many others. And in case of accepting them, avoid giving them any type of personal information, such as: emails, telephone numbers, addresses, among others.
- Report any direct or private messages from strangers. Like, suspicious emails. And avoid clicking on its contents, as much as possible. To prevent virus infection or data theft. And in case of witnessing any suspicious situation of someone online, report it before the relevant authorities.
Summary
In short, now that we know what social media stalking is , its possible causes and consequences , the best thing we can do is strictly follow the best recommendations and best practices regarding cybersecurity and the use of social media and instant messaging systems to avoid becoming targets. Because, regardless of someone's motives or desires for harassing us, it's always best to protect our digital footprint and image online as much as possible.
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