How does cyber technology impact interactions between offenders and victims?

Smartphone, tablets, and social media platforms are all forms of technology that foster fast and efficient global communication. As cyber technology becomes more advanced, so do cybercrimes. The evolution of cyber technology directly impacts the interactions between cyber offenders and victims to the point where existing legislation must be expanded to include cybercrimes and, in some cases, new laws are needed to regulate new online territory. As a society we have to define social norms in cyberspace just like we have done in the real world.

The evolution of the internet has let to cyber bullying. The school bully is no longer left at school, they follow you home virtually through social media. Proximity no longer provides an idea of security due to physical constraints. The audience is also increased exponentially online and is not limited to those present in the moment like with traditional bullying. The internet is borderless someone in the same state or another country could be participating in online trolling and bullying. An embarrassing post about another student can be made public to millions of a platform’s users. Public posts can also be shared and reposted repeatedly; it only takes minutes for something to go viral online. Victims must relive cyberbullying online by rewatching videos or rereading hateful comments can damage self esteem and perception.

The internet and technology have increased accessibility between cyber offenders and victims. Creating new laws and redefining existing laws to protect victims of cybercrime. However, laws and regulations are usually put in place after cybervictimization. As our lives become more integrated with the internet, we must assume human behaviors will change to adapt to online activity good and bad. There is a need for a more initiative-taking approach regarding cyber law.