Stalking.
We all hear about it and some of us inherently do it through our technological devices such as our cell phones or laptops. Sometimes we hear of instances via the news or trending topics on Facebook of another shooting, murder, or case where someone or a group of people were stalked then targeted. Our parents or friends may have told us stories of instances when they were stalked by somebody or knew someone who was stalked. Additionally, stalking can be seen as well as hidden behind a thin veil; it could be obvious someone is stalking you, or on the other hand, you could be unaware of someone stalking you from behind the screen.
In this day and age, no one is truly safe in the real or virtual world our society has chosen to reside in. Most of us have our Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts that we update on a daily basis. Those of us who have these social media accounts choose to post personal photos and statuses as well as tweets to let a friend or family member know about a recent accomplishment or just the happenings in our daily life. Many of us take precautions and try to make all of our social media accounts as private as they can be, but we still have those creepers who go to the internet to find any and all information about us. According to Karen McVeigh, a senior news reporter for the Guardian , cyberstalking is now becoming more common than stalking someone face-to-face. Women are not the only ones who are being stalked; men actually experience being stalked, as well, often by a former romantic partner.
Recently my mom had told me about how my Aunt had been stalked many, many years ago by a friend while attending University of Idaho. This was a vivid illustration that most the time those who commit crimes towards you, are people you know or are even close to. My aunt considered this guy a friend in her tight knit social group, but he turned out to be more of a stalker than a friend. In one instance, he cut all the cord lines attached to my aunt’s phone so she could not call anyone; talk about an episode out of one of those popular crime shows on TV. This guy harassed my Aunt by following her everywhere she went on the University of Idaho campus, which is located in Moscow, Idaho. As a sophomore in college, she was not sure what to do, so told him sternly if he was not going to stop following her, then she would file a report. By her standing her ground, he actually stopped with the stalking. Sadly for many, the stalking may have continued after making a similar remark towards their stalker. I like to say my Aunt was fairly lucky her name did not turn up as a headline in newspaper or the running story of news station on TV. Being a sophomore at Boise State and hearing this story from my mom for the first time, it made me even more paranoid of person that I was before. When something like this stalking hits close to home, it reminds you to be truly aware of the friends you surround yourself with as well as surroundings while walking anywhere light or dark during night-time.
Stalking is a common occurrence on college campuses, whether we are aware of it or not; it happens to people we know and love.
What are some common signs of stalking?
Here are seven warning signs you may have a possible stalker on your hands according to Karen McVeigh:
- Expressions of helplessness;
- Over-interpreting what you say or do;
- Socially isolated;
- Overly-dependent upon you only;
- A history of relationship violence or stalking;
- Alcohol or drug abuse;
- Actual or threatened suicide attempts are especially dangerous for you (he has nothing left to lose).
Follower or following, social media nowadays is a breeding ground for potential behind the screen stalkers. Remember to be safe, make yourself aware of potential signs you may be being stalked by someone, and have campus security on speed dial.