Cyberstalking...Are You Guilty Of Internet Stalking?

The thought of cyberstalking sounds insanely creepy. The concept of stalking period is creepy. One usually stalks with the intent to catch eventually, right? Like an animal in the wild, watching its prey, learning its patterns, and waiting for the right moment to strike. 

After all, timing is everything.

Human beings are not much different than animals in the wild. We all carry with us some basic, predatory instincts. It is our nature. Humans are also curious creatures, which can lead us to some "light" cyberstalking.

Maybe you are curious about your high school boyfriend? Wondering how he's looking these days? Maybe you start peeking at his Facebook, and Instagram postings.

You debate messaging him, but you don't. Instead you slowly gather intel about him from the Internet. Is this stalking? Some might say so, but you believe it's harmless. Others might say you are just being smart in finding out everything you can before initiating contact.

In all seriousness,  cyberstalking is a growing problem. There is so much information readily available on the Internet, and then you add in social media, and we are all very exposed. True cyberstalking is a crime, and involves harassing and stalking someone through email, instant messaging, and social media. But let's be honest, even if you never make contact, deep down you know you are being a little creepy.

I admit that I have definitely looked at an exes online info. Can you blame me? If I were in the dating market, a guy would be smart to go through, and read my blogs. He would learn a lot about my likes and dislikes, and more importantly, he would learn the fastest way to my heart.

It is smart, strategic, and maybe gives an upper hand to learn everything we can about someone in advance. I always hope for authenticity in people, but I know to a degree, that I'm forever vulnerable because of my blogs. My choice, and I own it.

Here are some things you should not be doing as part of your Internet surveillance. If you are, stop it now. You are being creepy, and possibly breaking laws!

1. Trying to hack your love interests social media accounts

2. Creating fake accounts to friend and view their activity

3. Impersonating them online

4. Sending numerous emails, direct messages, or invites, including from the fake accounts

5. You are letting your interaction, or lack of interaction, with your interest via social media affect you emotionally and mentally

The truth is, we have now become a society of over-sharers and voyeurs. Which are you? Do you consider yourself a bit of a cyberstalker? If you are, what do you hope to gain from it? Nothing, some sort of advantage, or someone's heart? I hope you at least know why you are doing it. I suppose sheer curiosity is always a possibility.

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