New research perspectives about stalking: the phenomenon of cyberstalking

Abstract

Electronic stalking is a frequent phenomenon worthy of scientific and social interest, closely related to the constant and exponential progress of technology. These types of conducts are defined by literature as cyberstalking, and even if it has no one universally agreed upon definition, it is considered as the use of the internet, email, or other electronic devices to stalk another person. Today, it seems to be a serious problem that will become more complex and dangerous as more people take advantage of the Internet and other telecommunications technologies. An easier and faster access to cyberspace also means a greater risk of incorrect use or misuse of the medium, in order to attack or intrude into the lives of others, taking advantage of anonymity and of the absence of limitations present in a real context.

Even if empirical works on cyberstalking are still few, the existing data gives evidence of its quantitative importance and of a lack of awareness. The Report published by the US Attorney General in 1999, estimated the presence in the country of about 475.000 victims of cyberstalking each year, while police reported the presence in 20% of cases of reported harassment forms of abuse through Internet and technological means in general. In a perspective of prevention and intervention, investigating and implementing the existing research on the phenomenon seem essential, taking into account that such harassment are rarely limited to the virtual world, being able to produce effects often similar if not more severe than those produced by offline stalking.