Table of Contents
Summary
An opening
Cyberstalking is a growing problem
Two of many types of cyberstalking
Bullying: The Lord’s Perspective
Cyberstalking Personal Adventure
In summary
Cited sources
Summary
Cyber stalking has been a problem all around the world. Millions have been affected by it and more will be until precautions are taken and lessons are given to prevent this type of criminal activity. Cyber stalking has become a serious problem. I will be discussing how it affects people both offline and online. Cyber stalking can take many forms. I’ll show you two methods, catfishing or cyber bullying. While the Lord does not want us to cause harm to anyone, He wants us to still love our neighbors regardless of what. Last, I want to talk about how the Lord sees bullying. Christians are called to love each other, not seek revenge, and treat all people equally. To close, I want to share my story of how I conquered cyber stalking by sharing my knowledge and keeping the Lord right beside me through each step.
Cyber stalking is when you harass an individual, group, or organisation by using computers or other electronic means. Cyber stalking is the practice of creating similar victim experiences for victims online and offline. In 1999, it was illegal in 14 U.S. states. Each year, technology and social media grow exponentially. As technology continues to evolve, cyber attackers are also becoming more daring in their online and offline pursuits. Cyber-attacks can occur online shopping, on dating websites, and even in email conversations between people. There are several ways to help reduce the risk of this attack. This list could go on. Cyber Stalking is a serious crime and society needs to start acting fast to put a halt to this type of crime as this critical case in our justice system is affecting citizens world-wide.Cyberstalking a Growing ProblemCyberstalking effects people online as anecdotal and informal data indicate that cyberstalking is a serious and growing problem. Cyberstalking is most common in those with dark pasts and who seek attention. An individual will become more cautious online if they receive constant spam emails. You can take drastic measures to prevent cyberstalking harassment by installing firewalls or changing your email passwords.
Online stalking is just as dangerous than cyberstalking. The intruder may be able to access one’s social media accounts and see where they might live or work. This causes anxiety and fear in people which can then affect their family and friends. The Stalking Resource Center states that stalkers cause fear by unannounced visits to victims’ homes, unwanted gifts, and using GPS and other technological gadgets. The stalker is able to track their victims and also post personal information on the internet.
Two of Many Types of CyberstalkingMajority of people have heard of the show “Catfish” which also is know is catfishing. This type of cyberstalking is very popular and is based on real life stories. Stalkers will try to appear to someone else to gain attention. It leads to false hope for hundreds of thousands, believing that the person they meet is real. This can lead to the sharing of personal information which could in turn lead to something worse. While it is encouraged not to send any personal information via the internet or email, it is still a serious problem in today’s society and could lead to more harm than good.
Cyberstalking is a form of cyberbullying that can be used in conjunction with other forms. Cyberbullying is more focused on the smaller, more vulnerable minorities. Schools can use the statues to create an infrastructure to deal with this issue, such as amending school anti-bullying policy among school-age children. Because schools will lose interest in the child individually, it will lead to a lack of friends. Children who are cyberbullied will feel sick, such as nausea, vomiting, and stomachaches. A victim of bullying of any kind can feel depressed, anxious, and unsure of their future. While therapy is available and other options may be offered, it is impossible to know how the victim feels since they were not directly affected.
The Lord’s view on Bullying (Mark 12 31) The Bible commands us to love our neighbours as we do ourselves, and to treat other people the same way. All people, no matter how they look or act, are made in God’s image (Gen. 2:26-27). Christians are called to live in obedience to God’s commands and demonstrate their faith in God with our actions. Only 20% to 30% of those who have been bullied, regardless of age, actually report it to the authorities. Cyberbullying is most common among young women. Christians need to stand firm and believe that God has immeasurable value and worth.
People should not look for revenge on anyone regardless of the circumstances. Instead, they should love their fellow human beings equally. Christians do not have the power to make people feel guilty for cyber stalking that has negatively affected their lives. As God is wise, the Lord will judge the perpetrator. Cyberbullying causes us to become angry, scared, and even vulnerable. We need to respond by showing kindness, regardless of how strange this may sound. Although we don’t seek revenge, it doesn’t mean we shouldn’t defend our family or ourselves in times of life-threatening situations. Cyberstalking is serious. Don’t attempt to solve it.
Cyberstalking: My Personal Experience While I was serving my country overseas, a person decided to take my photos and put them in numberless dating apps. I did not know this was happening until October 2014 when I returned from deployment. The stalker had access to my personal information and was able to obtain addresses for where my family lives and works. While my top priority was to stop it, I knew I had to be careful not to do anything that would later prove to be regrettable. This criminal activity continued for six months. The police department was involved in the investigation, eventually leading to a special investigator to help me and my family find the culprit.
Between the notes left at apartments and random texts/phone calls made by mysterious numbers using fake apps to contact me, this criminal activity continued for a long time. This was making it difficult for everyone around me to trust God. I decided to remain strong and calm, to allow God’s guidance to guide me. The situation almost reached the point where I had to leave my family, but it was soon resolved. My case was finally closed by the special agent who found the perpetrator and arrested him immediately on site for multiple charges. Even though I had been racked with hatred for months and a host of other emotions, it was possible to meet the perpetrator and forgive him. I shared with the perpetrator that God had a greater purpose and that he would be able to learn from his experience and grow from it. I still volunteer in my local community to assist bullied victims. I also give speeches to other victims and share my story with them so they can benefit.
Conclusion. Cyberstalking and any other type of cyber bullying are wrong. This could lead to serious criminal activity. Cyberstalking of individuals or companies is a crime against God and morally wrong. This is not the way God intended us to treat others and live our lives. The modern society revolves around online shopping and purchasing goods and items online. However, it’s important to be cautious about sharing this information with others. It is a requirement for any job to hold weekly meetings about the privacy requirements within the company. There should be ample teachings so people are aware of the severity of cyber stalking. Not only does it affect you, but your family and friends also become vulnerable. As the Lord teaches us to love our neighbor and ourselves, we should take steps to avoid confrontations in cyber stalking. Bullies are all around us daily. However, they know that “Be Strong and Courageful.” Fear and terror are not acceptable. The Lord your God will always be with you.
Citations
Al-Khateeb, H., & Epiphaniou, G. (2016). How technology can prevent and combat cyberstalking. The Computer & Security Journal covers topics from ages 14 to 18.
The Bureau of Justice Statistics (2017) reported on crime trends. Cyberstalking and Stalking. Programs of the Office of Justice. Retrieved from https://www.bjs.gov/index.cfm?ty=tp&tid=973.
Elizondo, P. (2019, March 26). A Review of Statutes & the Role of a Forensic Physician in Cyberstalking Involving Teens. Retrieved November 12, 2019, from http://jaapl.org/content/early/2019/03/26/JAAPL.003831-19
Hardin N. (2018.09.26). What does the Bible have to say about bullying? Retrieved November 12, 2019, from https://erlc.com/resource-library/articles/what-does-the-bible- teach-us-about-bullying
Terrance, C. (2018, June 5). SAGE Journals: The gateway to top-quality research journals. Retrieved November 12, 2019, from https://journals.sagepub.com/action/cookieAbsent
Us, A. January 3rd, 2019 Cyberstalking Facts- Types Of Stalkers And Cyberstalkers. Retrieved November 12, 2019, from https://www.ipredator.co/cyberstalking-facts/
Vaillancourt, T., Faris, R., & Mishna, F. (2016, December 19). SAGE Journals: The gateway to top-quality research journals. Retrieved December 14, 2019, from https://journals.sagepub.com/action/cookieAbsent
