Internet and Cyber-Affairs
Technology, it can be a wonderful thing, but what happens when technology is used to spy, harass or stalk? With the rise of electronic communication, concern has been increasing on campuses across the nation about the prevalence of stalking and other types of harassment by means of technology. Harassment usually occurs after a romantic or dating relationship has ended but also occurs between friends, casual peer relationships, and obsessive individuals with whom you may barely know, if you know them at all. Much of this harassment comes in the form of what is called intrusive contact.
Intrusive contact is when someone intentionally tries to contact you after you have explicitly asked them not to contact you. This contact is not limited to face to face visits, such as showing up at your home or place of work, but also includes phone calls, leaving text/voice messages, sending e-mails, or any other form of electronic communication.
Electronic Harassment
Below you will find some ways to avoid and deal with electronic harassment. This list is provided by Wiredsafety.org, the world's largest online safety and help group.
- Don't respond to flaming (provocation online)
- Choose a genderless screen name
- Don't flirt online, unless you're prepared for the consequences. This is just like real life. Yes, you have the right to flirt. And you have the right to a sexy nickname. But the more obvious you are, the more likely you are to arouse unwanted attention from unwanted suitors.
- Save offending messages and report them to your service provider
- If someone makes threats in a chat room or on a message board, notify the moderator or Web site operator right away
- Don’t confront the stalker/harasser, this only arouses more anger or emotional attacks
- Don't give out any personal information about yourself or anyone else link to private surfing info]
- Get out of a situation online that has become hostile, log off or surf elsewhere
- Google yourself to make sure no personal information is posted by others about you
Take cyber stalking seriously. When in doubt report the offense. If you are an ISU student and are receiving unwanted messages to your ilstu account, you can report this to abuse@ilstu.edu. In Illinois, you can also file a Civil No Contact Order. Information on how to complete a no contact order is provided at ISU’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Survivor Services.
Resources
Coping with College articles (PDF)
- The Internet...Where Does it fit in Your Life?
- Is Your Internet use a Problem?
- Logoff and Live a Fun Life