Expert: Eight signs someone is stalking you online
In the digital age, our online presence has become an integral part of our daily lives, offering us avenues for connection, expression, and engagement with the world around us.
However, this interconnection also opens the door to potential risks, including online stalking.
With the proliferation of social media platforms, messaging apps, and other digital communication channels, individuals can easily monitor, track, and intrude upon the lives of others from behind a screen, often without their knowledge. Online stalking encompasses a range of behaviors, from innocuous monitoring to more intrusive and threatening actions, all carried out through the use of technology.
Trevor Cooke, an online privacy expert at EarthWeb, says, “Other inappropriate gifts include items that have deep emotional meaning to you that only someone who knows you well would know to give, as well as items that are related to things you have shown interest in on social media.’ Any kind of surprise gift from a stranger is weird, especially if the gift is far too personal for it to be a coincidence.”
Below are some proof someone is stalking you online:
Excessive monitoring
If you notice someone consistently monitoring your online activity, such as frequently checking your social media profiles, liking or commenting on old posts, or tracking your location through check-ins or tagged photos. then you should know that the person is stalking you.
Unsolicited communication
The person may frequently send unsolicited messages, emails, or friend requests to you. This should be a red flag for you.
Inappropriate comments or behavior
The person stalking you may consistently leave inappropriate or overly personal comments on your social media posts, send you unwanted messages, or engage in behavior that makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
Tracking your location
If someone repeatedly asks about your whereabouts or seems to know where you are without you having shared that information with them directly, it could be a sign of online stalking.
Creating fake profiles
The creation of fake profiles or impersonation accounts to monitor your activity or gather information about you is a serious red flag.
Persistent online presence
The person seems to always be online when you are or frequently engages with your posts or updates soon after you post them, indicating they may be actively monitoring your online presence.
Gathering information
If someone appears to have unusually detailed knowledge about your personal life, activities, or relationships, which you haven’t shared publicly but could only be obtained through online stalking.
Attempts to control or manipulate
If the person tries to control or manipulate you through online interactions, such as pressuring you to respond to messages, making threats, or attempting to isolate you from others.
If you suspect that someone is stalking you online, it’s important to take steps to protect yourself. This can include adjusting your privacy settings on social media, blocking the individual if necessary, documenting any harassing or threatening messages, and reaching out to authorities or seeking support from friends, family, or professionals if you feel unsafe.
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