How does cyber technology impact interactions between offenders and victims?

Cyber technology has made some amazing impacts to society and aid in the advancement of civilization. But cyber technology has also contributed to several negative impacts, such as cybercrime/threats. With that said we can see a clear impact in the interactions between offenders and victims.
First let’s talk about why some offenders might engage in these malicious acts. Some might find the act of committing crimes entertaining. While others do it as a means of revenge or some might want personal/financial gain and so on. It appears that there is a link to offenders and victims and that is accessibility. Many criminals can commit crime in the comfort of their own homes, allowing them to access many information of different victims by simply looking at their social media or even searching one’s name on the internet. This could lead to cyber harassment, stalking, and bullying towards victims. By doing so, many of these offenders are affecting victims’ mental and physical aspects. For example one may develop PTSD, guilt, shame( mentally) and can develop eating disorders, self-harm, sleep deprivation (physically), “Today it’s more likely for people to experience adverse psychological effects from cybercrimes and online fraud. A 2021 Pew Research survey shows that about one-third of American adults are almost constantly online”(Clark, 2023)
Another impact is anonymity and false identification. Many of these offenders can mask their identity online by creating fake accounts or being unable to be pinpointed. This causes distress with victims because it complicates the matter of reporting these incidents. “For victims, anonymity can create barriers to reporting. This is because perpetrators using imposter or fake accounts are not easily identifiable.”(eSafety, 2022) With that said many perpetrators can easily make many of these false accounts, which ties us back with accessibility.
It is evident that cybercrime is never going away, but as society moves forward, implementing technology regulations and enforcing cybersecurity framework to users is key. Through this action, individuals can feel safe online and have their information secured and protected. Also to help combat these crimes being committed.

Anonymity and identity shielding | eSafety Commissioner. (2022). ESafety Commissioner. https://www.esafety.gov.au/industry/tech-trends-and-challenges/anonymity#:~:text=For%20victims%2C%20anonymity%20can%20create

Clark, S. (2023, August 28). The Psychological Impact on the Lives of Cyber-Attack Victims. Painted Brain. https://paintedbrain.org/blog/the-psychological-impact-on-the-lives-of-cyber-attack-victims#:~:text=When%20online%20victims%20experience%20cybercrimes