How does cyber technology impact interactions between offenders and victims?

The internet in our current society is a dangerous place at a time, yet we store very sensitive data on it often. Because of this, the internet gives hackers and malicious actors plenty of opportunities to harm and take advantage of the internet. Cyber Stalking and Cyber Harassment have become more prominent in our current era. Cyber harassment involves acting in a behavior that torments, annoys, terrorizes, offends, or threatens an individual via email, instant messages, or other means with the intention of harming that person. Because there are so many people on the internet, anyone can be a victim or offender. Another example is if a person has private photos leaked as blackmail or goes viral, leading to unwanted attention or a little girl being bullied by her schoolmates on a social platform.

Cyberstalking is defined as “the unwanted and repeat advances of an individual using electronic or Internet-capable devices.” Examples of repeated advances include any unwanted electronic communications, and maybe threatening, coercive, or intimidating. Another example is if a woman goes on a date with a man and he ends up stalking her online. Cyberstalking is not always a bad man after a wrong date. But instead, it could be someone who dislikes you stalking your profile to leave a nasty comment on every post. Cyberstalking and harassment can foster a toxic environment. Forums composed of different groups can lead to good and bad outcomes. Certain incels groups will bully members till they feel like they have no choice but to fall in line. These groups can also have a cult mentality in which they turn into a mob victim of a week on social media. In this case and similar circumstances, the offender can also be the victim. In conclusion, the internet has created an environment where anyone can become a victim and offender.