This is the first book devoted entirely to an examination of cyberstalking's causes and consequences, as well as advice for protecting yourself and your loved ones.
Cyberstalking is an entirely new form of deviant behavior that uses technology to harass others in a variety of ways. In less than a decade, our reliance on the Internet, email, instant messaging, chat rooms, and other communications technologies has made cyberstalking a growing social problem that can affect computer users anywhere in the world. This is the first book devoted entirely to an examination of cyberstalking, providing an overview of the problem, its causes and consequences, and practical advice for protecting yourself and your loved ones.
New technologies have enriched our lives in countless ways. Yet these technologies can easily be misused to frighten, intimidate, coerce, harass, and victimize unsuspecting users. Cyberstalking is an entirely new form of deviant behavior that uses technology to harass others in a variety of ways. In less than a decade, our reliance on the Internet, email, instant messaging, chat rooms, and other communications technologies has made cyberstalking a growing social problem that can affect computer users anywhere in the world. This is the first book devoted entirely to an examination of cyberstalking, providing an overview of the problem, its causes and consequences, and practical advice for protecting yourself and your loved ones.
Although cyberstalking usually involves one person pursuing another, this is not always the case. As the behavior has evolved, it has come to include such acts as stock market fraud, identity theft, sexual harassment, data theft, impersonation, consumer fraud, computer monitoring, and attacks by political groups on government services. More disturbingly, pornographers and pedophiles have begun to use cyberstalking as a way of locating new victims. While cyberstalking has become a worldwide problem, most cases originate in the United States, making Americans the most vulnerable group of targets. Bocij carefully delineates the boundaries of cyberstalking, providing real-life examples, guidance for avoiding the pitfalls, and suggestions for what to do if you fall victim.
Acknowledgments
Dedication
Introduction
What Is Cyberstalking?
Stalking or Cyberstalking?
The Incidence and Prevalence of Cyberstalking
Who Are the Cyberstalkers?
Who Are the Victims of Cyberstalkers?
What Motivates Cyberstalkers?
Threats to Young People
Cyberstalking and Organizations
Cyberstalking and the Law
Dealing with Cyberstalking
Glossary
Bibliography
Reviews
[P]aul Bocij handles common cyberstalking in his all-important ^ICyberstalking: Harassment in the Internet Age and How to Protect Your Family^R, which focuses not just pm legal recourse but how the average individual can avoid cyberstalking on the internet.—The Bookwatch
This topic is very important for teens, their parents, and their teachers to understand....[a] full understanding of a phenomenon that affects people of every age and walk of life. Bocji's thorough knowledge will certainly be useful to victims.—VOYA
This is an extremely alarming book that focuses on the dark side of the Internet and makes it clear that we are all potential victims of cyberstalkers. Luckily, there are things we can do to protect ourselves; the text reviews what those things are what can be done even after an individual has been targeted....certain to be popular in libraries.—Booklist
Endorsements
Current trends and evidence suggest that cyberstalking is a serious problem that will grow in scope and complexity as more people take advantage of the Internet and other telecommunications technologies. Paul Bocij's book offers a framework for an initial response to the problem. He gives the reader an insightful look at how communications technologies provide a thorough analysis of this neglected topic. It is a must for anyone concerned with the crime of cyberstalking.—Hedi Nasheri,^LDepartment of Justice Studies^LKent State University
This is an excellent work covering a wide range of crimes that are facilitated by the use of computer.—Agent Collin Reese,^LComputer Crimes Specialist^LColorado Bureau of Investigation
This book provides a very useful analysis of an important topic--cyberstalking. This is a valuable resource for anyone who uses the internet.—Patricia E. Erickson, JD, Ph.D.,^LAssociate Professor of Criminal Justice, and Chair of the Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Criminal Justice^LCanisius College
