How does cyber technology impact interactions between offenders and victims? 

Stalking, harassment, and multiple other crimes have been prevalent long before the introduction of technology. When these crimes are committed in a physical space, different laws and regulations apply to the offenders when compared to crimes committed on the internet. With more information being available on the internet, much of it being put on the internet by the individual themselves, offenders have an easier time identifying their victim’s information and behaviors. If a stalker decides to pursue an individual, they might frequently visit their victim’s social media pages to gain more information about them. Using this information, they might stalk the victim in person and cause problems at their workplace, school, and home. With many social media sites allowing location-sharing features, stalkers can easily pinpoint their victim’s location. Technology also allows offenders easier access to harass their victims. They are able to spam call, text, and email their victims all day if they choose. Many of these texts and emails might contain malware that could inflict harm on the victim’s device if opened. Due to the anonymous nature of technology, the offender also has the ability to remain completely anonymous while the victim suffers mental consequences. Cyberstalking or harassment can have an astounding psychological impact on the victim, as they constantly worry if the offender will harm them physically. Other cyber crimes, such as phishing scams and identity fraud also limit the victim’s contact with the offender. The offender gets to remain anonymous to the victim unless they are caught while still being able to cause great financial harm to their victim. In physical crimes, it is easy to identify who the offender is, which allows consequences to be easily enforced. Crimes committed on the internet are a unique phenomenon and therefore require special laws and regulations and extra diligence by individuals.