In this high-tech world we’re living in, we’re able to connect with each other more than ever.
We are spoilt for choice when it comes to online platforms and it’s now up to us to decide which ones we want to use and how we want to use them.
As much as we enjoy the benefits of being vastly connected there are some unusual downsides that come with them like cyberstalking.
Your online presence can expose you to all types of people including the ones that don’t have good intentions. Cyber stalkers harass their victims and it’s not enough to just tell them to stop.
These are people you can’t have an honest conversation with and that can escalate to physical stalking at any time.
To stay safe, here are some tips that can help you deal with an annoying online stalker:
1. Block them
Physical stalking involves someone who secretly or openly follows you around with ill intentions. That same concept applies to cyber stalking only that it happens online. These types of people can even make different accounts to track you and your whereabouts, which makes them very dangerous.
One thing that might help is using the block features that have been provided on different platforms. Instagram, for example, allows you to block certain people from your profiles along with other new accounts they might use to access your account.
2. Make your account private
The option to make your account private is a safety feature that can protect you from online harassment, bullying and stalking. Some platforms allow you to have full control over who you let into your online life and that can give you a better view on who the stalkers are.
This is also a preventative measure to keep away any potential stalkers in future.
3. Remove any personal information
Online stalkers use what you post as ammunition which can put you in danger. They have an obsession about where you are, who you hang out with, where your usual hangout spots are and even where you live.
Cyber stalking can shift to real physical stalking so you should be very careful. Avoid posting your current location, remove any posts that might have indicated your home address as well as any other personal information that they can use to know your whereabouts.
4. Let your friends and family know
It’s important to alert your loved ones so that they can be on the lookout. Stalkers often identify people who are close to you and use information on their accounts to harass you.
Tell people close to you not to post anything personal about you like where you’re currently hanging out and alert them on accounts they should block immediately.
5. Collect evidence and report
Keeping evidence of your interactions with the stalker can come in handy when you’re reporting them. Have screenshots of the times you have told them to stop contacting you or stalking you and take note of the profiles they’re using as well.
You can use the report features on these platforms and present your evidence so you can be assisted. If the situation gets worse you have option of going to the authorities who will deal with it legally.
