How to deal with Internet stalkers is regrettably a procedure which more and more people in modern times are having to determine. As the Internet has grown in so many positive ways, so too has it sadly become increasingly populated by a profusion of undesirable individuals who engage in unscrupulous practises. Internet stalking is one such practise.
The reasons why people stalk others on the Internet are varied but they can include the unwelcome attentions of a spurned lover, the overtures of one whose affection is not and never has been returned and a simple obsession by one party regarding the online activities of another. Whatever the reason for the stalking process, it can be extremely irritating and even frightening for the victim and dealing with the issue will quickly become a priority.
The principal problems in defining specific procedures as regards how to deal with Internet stalkers are in that the stalking can take many different forms and that each site upon which it is possible to stalk someone affords different ways in which to potentially deal with the matter. The first step in tackling the concern therefore has to be a look at the machinations of the particular site or sites upon which the stalking is taking place.
It is probably the case that Internet stalking most commonly occurs on social networking site such as MySpace, Facebook or Bebo. The nature of these sites in that they are designed for the very purpose of social interaction means that they provide easy fodder for would be Internet stalkers in a great many ways. This can even be the case where the victim does not previously know their stalker. The plus factor with these sites, however, is that the issue may be reported to the site administrators and, if serious enough, could result in the instigator being banned from the site.
Where Internet stalking takes the form of the stalker having access to their victim's personal e-mail address, it can prove more difficult to counter. The, "Block sender," facility can of course be utilised but there is nothing whatsoever to stop the perpetrator signing up for free e-mail addresses, one after another as their old ones are blocked. The issue in the first instance here is best tackled with a polite reply requesting that the stalker refrain from further contact but this is unlikely to work in extreme cases. It may even get to the stage where it is necessary to report the matter to the police, should the stalking be particularly disturbing and simply ignoring it is no longer a viable option.
Where the Internet stalking is occurring over multiple platforms around the Web, reporting and blocking can be attempted but may be impractical after a time if the stalker shows enough imagination and determination. Again, the simple request to desist can be made, the stalker can simply be ignored, or the matter can be progressed further, depending upon its level of seriousness.
How to deal with Internet stalking is about ignoring minor indiscretions, blocking and reporting more serious instances and, where these procedures do not work, become impractical or are insufficient to deal with the extent of the stalking, about reporting the matter to the civil authorities and requesting they deal with it accordingly.