The Netflix hit series “You” has brought us twists and turns, love connections, murder mysteries, drama and some key takeways to help you be more aware of stalking.
The show also highlights the duality of the character Joe in that fans are simultaneously attracted to and repulsed by him.
In an interview on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert”, Penn Badgley, who plays Joe said he sees the show as a social commentary on society.
“It says something about how we are willing to be patient and forgive someone who inhabits a body that looks something like mine—the color of my skin, my gender,” Badgley said. “These sorts of things. These sorts of privileges and how much we’re less willing to forgive people who don’t fit those boxes.”
Here are 6 things that “You” has taught us about stalking awareness:
- Be aware that your stalker could be someone you know
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In the show, the main character Joe was the stalker and his two main targets were women he befriended, grew close with, then dated. It is important to remember that not all stalkers are scary internet trolls that look like someone you would stay away from; they can be those around you. Be aware of strange tendencies and don’t be afraid to get law enforcement involved if you think someone is stalking you.
- Don’t share your location on social media
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It is great to share your location with close friends or roommates that you know and trust so they can make sure you are always safe, but there is no need to share it with every Instagram follower or Snapchat friend. It can be really dangerous for potential stalkers to know where you are and what you are doing at all times. On the show Joe used social media to his advantage and easily found all the information that he needed.
- Look out for those around you
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Pay attention to your friends and loved ones and listen to them if they think something is wrong. In “You,” Love’s friends and family members weren’t sure about the guy she was dating. Sit down and talk to your friends if you have concerns about the people they are around and tell them the resources and options they have if necessary.
- Don’t give strangers your social media
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Beck willingly gives Joe a lot of her personal information in the first season, and while this seemed harmless at the time, it led to internet stalking later on in the season. I know it can be temping when first meeting someone cute, but give them your number first and get to know them before they are exposed to your entire life online.
- Set your accounts to private
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This is so so so important!! You need to be able to control who sees your content. This is so much safer for you and will keep your content between you and those that you trust.
- Be aware of your surroundings especially when you’re alone
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As much as we all love to jam out with our headphones walking home at night, it is important to still be aware of your surroundings so you can see if someone is watching or following you. Turn down you music and have your phone at hand in case of emergency.
While, this may seem like an overdramatized problem that only happens on a TV show, it is a reality we should all be aware of. “You” is a dramatic murder mystery show, but these types of stalking activities happen every day. To learn more, check out Cal Poly Safer’s website and the events they are holding for stalking awareness month.