The Different Types of Online Harassment and What to Do about Them
As more people turn to social media platforms to voice their opinion, meet new people, look for potential life partners, or even just to socialize, the chances of experiencing online harassment continues to grow.
While teens and adolescents are most commonly targeted for cyberbullying, just over 40% of people responding to a Pew Research 2017 study reported they had been bullied or harassed online, and about 66% reported being aware of or witnessing harassment or cyberbullying behavior while online.
Not all types of online harassment are illegal, which makes it a challenge to attempt to get assistance from authorities to end the abuse. Even when the behavior is illegal, it can be difficult to find out who is behind the behavior and where they are located.
To get a clear picture of the types of online harassment and what to do if you or someone you know is a target, here is a snapshot of seven common issues seen on any online social platform. They are divided into those that are illegal, which means you can seek assistance in stopping the behavior, and those that aren’t illegal yet, but are no less devastating to experience.
Illegal Online Behaviors
Cyberstalking
This is just like stalking and is considered illegal federally as well as in many state laws across the country. Cyberstalking involves literally tracking or following someone online and threatening, harassing, intimidating, or slandering someone. If you’re being stalked online, keep copies of all interactions, make sure you notify the person you want the behavior to stop, and notify the police. Block the person on any sites if possible. Do not attempt to get in touch with the individual or to meet with them; this could be extremely dangerous and put you at risk.
Doxing
Doxing can be difficult to prove, but it involves providing private information about a person online with the intent to harass and intimidate the individual. This information could include private information like non-public phone numbers, a person’s address, financial information, or even their online usernames linked to their actual name and information. The problem with proving this is a crime is the information cannot be available publicly, and the intent of releasing the information is to threaten, harass, and intimidate. Make sure to report this behavior to the police and check to make sure your passwords are changed, and any public information about you is removed from websites.
Swatting
Swatting involves using personal information about a person to call the police and report a crime or dangerous situation at the target’s home or business. This is most commonly noted with celebrities, but it is a crime. Using a VPN to shield your IP address and physical location online and report any concerns that this may happen to the police can help prevent the issue.
Posting Revenge Porn
After the breakup of a relationship, images, videos, or other media may be distributed by the unhappy partner as a way to get revenge on their ex. This is illegal, even if you willingly provided the material to the person for their private viewing while you were in the relationship. If you experience this, contact the administrator for the social media platform or site and have it taken down. Then contact the police and report the incident.
Impersonating Someone Online
Using someone else’s name or persona online is illegal. This impersonation is usually used to obtain information about you as you assume you’re talking to a trusted friend, business associate, or online acquaintance. If you’ve been the victim of someone impersonating you, report the incident to the platform administrator of the site you’re on, change your passwords, use two-factor authentication, and, if your reputation is being harmed, talk to an attorney.
Non-Criminal Online Harassment
Trolling
Trolling isn’t illegal, but it is used on most social media platforms. It involves unwelcome, abusive, or controversial comments that create conflict and it can be done by one person or a group of people working together. If you’re a victim of trolling block the people using this behavior, report it to the site administrator, and don’t engage in arguing or commenting to them or about them online. Going private with your page or posts can also eliminate this issue.
Catfishing
Catfishing is well known, and it involves creating a character and interacting with others on a purely fictitious basis. It’s not illegal, but it may be possible to take legal action if the person attempted to obtain money or other things of value from you. Don’t assume everyone you meet online is telling the truth. Be very cautious of people that seem too perfect or that are just the person you always wanted to meet; they may just be playing a part.
Regardless of the legal status of the specific online harassment you are experiencing, talk to your law enforcement agency. They can provide information on what you can do and how to act if these types of harassing behaviors continue to occur.
Sherry Gaba, LCSW is a Certified Transformation and Recovery Coach and the leading Psychotherapist on VH1’s Celebrity Rehab and Sex Addiction. Her book, “The Marriage and Relationship Junkie: Kicking your Obsession” is on sale for 50% off from now until February 18, 2019.
She helps singles navigate the dating process to find the love of their lives. Take her quiz to find out if you’re a love addict, sign up for a 30-minute strategy session, or learn more about how to get over a break up. Sherry maintains a private practice in Westlake Village, and is a sought after online dating and relationship coach. For more information visit www.sherrygaba.com.
For more information visit www.sherrygaba.com or sign up today for Sherry’s online group coaching program for $19/month at https://wakeuprecovery.com/become-a-member-co/.
Hello, its fastidious piece of writing regarding media print, we
all understand media is a enormous source of facts.
Just desire to saay your article is as astonishing. The clarity in your postt is
simply cool and i can assume you’re an expert on this subject.
Well with your permission allow me to grab your RSS feed to ksep up to date with forthcoming post.
Thanks a million and please carry on the enjoyable work.
These are truly impressive ideas in concerning blogging.
You have touched some nice points here. Any way keep up wrinting.
My relatives every time say that I am killing my time
here at web, but I know I am getting experience everyday by
reading thes good articles or reviews.
Thanks for sharing such a good idea, post is fastidious,
thats why i have read it completely
Awesome things here. I am very satisfied to look your post.
Thanks so much and I am taking a look forward to touch you.
Will you kindly drop me a mail?
Your style is unique in comparison to other people I have read stuff from.
Thank you for posting when you’ve got the opportunity, Guess I
will just bookmark this site.
My spouse and I absolutely love your blog and find nearly all of your post’s to be just what I’m
looking for. Do you offer guest writers
to write content available for you? I wouldn’t mind publishing
a post or elaborating on a number of the subjects you
write concerning here. Again, awesome site!
Fantastic post but I was wanting to know if you could write a litte more on this subject?
I’d be very thankful if you could elaborate a little
bit more. Thank you!
You’re so awesome! I don’t suppose I’ve read
through something like that before. So good to find someone with
unique thoughts on this subject matter. Really..
thank you for starting this up. This web site is
something that is required on the internet, someone with a little originality!
This information is priceless. Where can I find out more?
First of all I would like to say excellent blog! I had a quick question which I’d like
to ask if you do not mind. I was interested to know how you center yourself and clear your mind before writing.
I have had a hard time clearing my mind in getting my
thoughts out. I do take pleasure in writing but it just seems like the first 10
to 15 minutes are wasted simply just trying to
figure out how to begin. Any suggestions or hints? Cheers!
Hi there! This is kind of off topic but I need
some advice from an established blog. Is it very difficult
to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but I
can figure things out pretty quick. I’m thinking about making my
own but I’m not sure where to begin. Do you have any points or suggestions?
Thank you
When I originally commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time a comment is
added I get four emails with the same comment.
Is there any way you can remove me from that service?
Thank you!
Link exchange is nothing else except it
is just placing the other person’s weblog link on your page at appropriate place and other person will also do similar in support of you.
Kelebihan letak slot gacor hari ini terpopuler no 1 seterusnya yaitu tampak kejuaraan slot88 gacor surat kabar lagi mingguan. Sudah mutlak buat karet
anggota patih spekulasi online situs slot gacor terpercaya
untuk membaca layanan customer service live chat 24 pukul.
Saat ini ada banyak posisi internet nan dapat Anda temukan menjumpai membayar hajat game Anda.
Semua letak tersebut menganjurkan lokasi slot ganyir menang lamun keaslinya posisi slot peruntungan tersebut diragukan. Karna
itu kalian wajib tahu pertunjukan agen spekulasi online nan sepele maxwin berikut ini.
Dilansir sejak Wikipedia pesawat slot terutama kali diciptakan akibat seorang Charles Fey pada warsa 1980.
Pada awalnya slot sendiri berbentuk sebuah motor demi dongkel yang tersembunyi
dekat pecahan bibir mesin tersebut, peranan mengenai dongkrak
itu sendiri nantinya untuk ditarik kebawah mudah-mudahan goresan dalam dalam motor dapat berpusar.
Sehingga semakin tinggi RTP pada sebuah motor
slot, maka semakin besar pintu Anda bakal memihak mainan. Tentu berkepanjangan menurut dapat menikmati privilege atau
layanan istimewa ini harus katalog letak spekulasi slot88 terbaik SULTANGACOR lebih-lebih dahulu.
Di kedudukan inilah nantinya Anda bisa mengindra bermacam-macam macam pertunjukan slot nan paling gacor bersama terbaik warsa
2023. Situs slot online nan ada poin RTP tertinggi tentunya menjadi target
para sloter.
Hey there this is kind of of off topic but I was wondering if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if
you have to manually code with HTML. I’m starting a blog
soon but have no coding know-how so I wanted to
get advice from someone with experience. Any help would be enormously
appreciated!
Woah! I’m really enjoying the template/theme of this website.
It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s difficult to get that
“perfect balance” between usability and visual appeal.
I must say that you’ve done a very good job with this. Also, the blog
loads super quick for me on Opera. Superb Blog!
Aw, this was a really nice post. Taking the time and actual effort
to create a good article… but what can I say… I procrastinate a
whole lot and don’t seem to get anything done.
Thanks designed for sharing such a good opinion, piece
of writing is pleasant, thats why i have read it fully
Today, I went to the beachfront with my kids.
I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and
said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.”
She placed the shell to her ear and screamed.
There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear. She never wants to go back!
LoL I know this is entirely off topic but I had to tell someone!
Hello, Neat post. There is an issue along with your web site in internet explorer, would test this?
IE still is the market chief and a huge component to other people will miss your magnificent writing because of this problem.
Hello, after reading this awesome article i am too delighted to share my know-how here with mates.
Hi to all, it’s actually a nice for me to go
to see this web site, it contains useful Information.
Interested in purchasing accutane online? Explore buy accutane for top-notch choices.
order antivert 25mg pills https://meclizine.top/
Hi there, I enjoy reading all of your post.
I like to write a little comment to support you.
I’d like to thank you for the efforts you’ve put in penning this blog.
I really hope to check out the same high-grade blog posts from you in the future as well.
In truth, your creative writing abilities has encouraged me to get
my own website now 😉
What’s up, after reading this amazing piece of writing i am too cheerful to share
my know-how here with colleagues.
For latest information you have to pay a quick visit world wide web and on the web I found
this web page as a best site for newest updates.
Hi! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that would be ok.
I’m definitely enjoying your blog and look forward
to new updates.
Heya i am for the first time here. I came across
this board and I find It truly helpful & it helped me out much.
I’m hoping to give something back and help others like you aided me.
Do you have a spam problem on this site; I also am a blogger, and I was curious about your situation; many of us have created some nice
practices and we are looking to swap strategies with other folks, be sure to shoot me an email if interested.
Hello, after reading this awesome piece of writing i am as well
cheerful to share my experience here with friends.
Thanks very nice blog!
When I originally commented I seem to have clicked the
-Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on every time a comment is added I recieve 4 emails with the same
comment. Is there a way you are able to remove me from that service?
Kudos!
always i used to read smaller content which also clear their
motive, and that is also happening with this piece of writing which I am reading at this place.
Hi would you mind letting me know which web host you’re utilizing?
I’ve loaded your blog in 3 different internet browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot faster then most.
Can you recommend a good web hosting provider at a reasonable
price? Kudos, I appreciate it!
There’s definately a lot to know about this issue.
I love all of the points you have made.
https://na-kuxne.ru/
I like what you guys are usually up too. Such clever work and coverage!
Keep up the great works guys I’ve included you guys to blogroll.
Its like you read my mind! You appear to know so much about this,
like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you could
do with some pics to drive the message home a
bit, but instead of that, this is fantastic blog.
An excellent read. I’ll certainly be back.
buy cheap generic lasuna – cheap himcolin online himcolin canada
buy besifloxacin no prescription – where to buy sildamax without a prescription sildamax online order
order neurontin for sale – buy gabapentin 800mg without prescription purchase sulfasalazine online
cheap celecoxib 200mg – buy indomethacin 75mg sale buy indomethacin generic
purchase colospa generic – buy arcoxia 120mg sale pletal online order
diclofenac 100mg cost – buy cheap diclofenac buy aspirin cheap
rumalaya buy online – amitriptyline 50mg price elavil oral
buy pyridostigmine 60mg without prescription – sumatriptan 25mg for sale order imuran 50mg
voveran online buy – buy isosorbide paypal nimotop medication
purchase ozobax for sale – buy baclofen 25mg pill order piroxicam online cheap
order meloxicam 7.5mg online – buy generic maxalt over the counter toradol 10mg brand
periactin 4mg over the counter – order cyproheptadine 4 mg sale tizanidine usa
trihexyphenidyl medication – how to purchase emulgel order cheap emulgel
buy cefdinir without a prescription – buy cleocin sale buy cleocin without prescription
A person essentially help to make seriously posts I’d state.
That is the first time I frequented your web page and thus far?
I surprised with the research you made to create this
actual submit incredible. Excellent activity!
order permethrin – purchase retin for sale retin gel for sale
purchase betnovate creams – buy betamethasone 20gm creams buy monobenzone paypal
buy metronidazole online – cenforce 50mg oral cenforce online
cost augmentin 1000mg – order augmentin 1000mg generic synthroid 150mcg cheap
where can i buy cleocin – indocin 75mg for sale buy indomethacin without prescription
losartan 25mg without prescription – cost cephalexin 500mg order generic keflex 500mg
purchase crotamiton cream – purchase aczone for sale brand aczone
buy cheap generic modafinil – provigil generic melatonin canada
bupropion 150 mg pill – where to buy shuddha guggulu without a prescription buy generic shuddha guggulu
capecitabine 500mg cheap – buy naproxen 250mg generic danocrine tablet
buy progesterone 200mg pills – prometrium medication clomiphene cost
purchase aygestin pills – purchase norethindrone sale yasmin medication
buy generic cabergoline – buy premarin pills for sale buy alesse
гѓ—гѓ¬гѓ‰гѓ‹гѓі йЈІгЃїж–№ – гѓ—гѓ¬гѓ‰гѓ‹гѓійЂљиІ© г‚ёг‚№гѓгѓћгѓѓг‚Ї – 500mg
バイアグラ еЂ‹дєєијёе…Ґ гЃЉгЃ™гЃ™г‚Ѓ – バイアグラ гЃЇйЂљиІ©гЃ§гЃ®иіј г‚їгѓЂгѓ©гѓ•г‚Јгѓ«йЂљиІ©