cyberstalkers
Digital harassment perpetrators
Cyberstalkers are people who use the internet, social media, or other digital technologies to repeatedly harass, monitor, or threaten others.
Unlike traditional stalkers who physically follow their targets, cyberstalkers exploit online tools—tracking someone's posts, sending unwanted messages, hacking accounts, or spreading harmful information.
The behavior ranges from obsessive monitoring of an ex-partner's social media to coordinated harassment campaigns.
The cyberstalkers created fake accounts to continue contacting her after she blocked them.
One who intimidates repeatedly
- bullyHabitual intimidator
- trollDeliberate online antagonist
- doxxerReveals others' private details
- intimidationDeliberate fear-inducing pressure
threats · anonymous accounts · catfishing · impersonation · fake profiles · sextortion · revenge porn · defamation
Ongoing observation of something
- trackingMonitoring location over time
- spyingSecretly observing others
- snoopingSecretly investigating others
- watchingActively looking at something
spyware · keylogger · screen capture · account hacking · data mining · social media monitoring · digital footprint · metadata
Impeding forward progress
- reportingConveying documented information
- restraining orderCourt-enforced avoidance mandate
- privacy settingsAccount visibility controls
- two-factor authenticationIdentity confirmation requiring two proofs
VPN · encrypted messaging · documentation · law enforcement · deplatforming · safety planning · victim advocacy · support groups
Organism that consumes others
- abuserOne who mistreats others
- ex-partnerPrevious romantic companion
- strangerPerson not yet known
- acquaintancePerson slightly known
anonymous · disgruntled employee · incel · repeat offender · enabler · accomplice · sock puppet · burner account
Emotional response to threat
- anxietyPersistent apprehensive distress
- paranoiaIrrational persecution fears
- traumaLasting psychological wound
- helplessnessLacking ability to cope
vulnerability · violation · distress · hypervigilance · privacy invasion · emotional harm · PTSD · isolation
harasser
One who intimidates repeatedly
intimidation · threats · anonymous accounts · catfishing · impersonation · fake profiles · sextortion · revenge porn · defamation · slander
monitoring
Ongoing observation of something
- trackingMonitoring location over time
- spyingSecretly observing others
- snoopingSecretly investigating others
watching · spyware · keylogger · screen capture · account hacking · data mining · social media monitoring · digital footprint · metadata · browser history
blocking
Impeding forward progress
- reportingConveying documented information
- restraining orderCourt-enforced avoidance mandate
- privacy settingsAccount visibility controls
two-factor authentication · VPN · encrypted messaging · documentation · law enforcement · deplatforming · safety planning · victim advocacy · support groups
predator
Organism that consumes others
- abuserOne who mistreats others
- ex-partnerPrevious romantic companion
- strangerPerson not yet known
acquaintance · anonymous · disgruntled employee · incel · repeat offender · enabler · accomplice · sock puppet · burner account · alt account
fear
Emotional response to threat
- anxietyPersistent apprehensive distress
- paranoiaIrrational persecution fears
- traumaLasting psychological wound
helplessness · vulnerability · violation · distress · hypervigilance · privacy invasion · emotional harm · PTSD · isolation · self-censorship