A crime is an action that establishes an offense and is punishable by law. A cyber crime is a specific crime committed using a computer network or a networked device.
While cyberbullying and cyberstalking are used interchangeably, the difference lies in the intention of these acts.
Cyberbullying is a means of inflicting damage while cyberstalking is invading privacy. Both are serious crimes and offenders can do either or a combination of both.
Common Examples
Hateful Messages. Finding one’s contact information and using it to send derogatory messages is one of the most straightforward means of cyberbullying.
Getting threats, making the victim fear for their safety can be very stressful. Being targeted means receiving unwanted messages any time of the day.
Hacking. An advanced form of stalking and bullying in cyberspace where one uses their expertise to get access to someone’s accounts and passwords. Information that is supposed to be private can be easily used for blackmail or damage someone’s reputation.
Rumors and Fake News. Posting malicious content, usually under a fake account, can be harmful in many ways. Catchy made-up stories can get viral real quick and damage control won’t be able to catch up making the damage irreversible.
Identify Theft. Offenders can use information gained online to pretend to be somebody else. Using the victim’s identity, they can scam people of their money without the fear of repercussions. They can also use the fake account to post ill-natured content with the intention to damage the victim’s credibility.
Sharing Private Photos. Our devices have become our modern day diaries where confidential information is kept. When someone with ill-intent gets their hand on it, it’s very easy to share that content with the rest of the world.
Freedom and Abuse
In the age of social media and cyberspace where sensitive content can be easily displayed online, the violations to right and privacy has been prevalent more than ever.
Free online platforms and search engines have become the most powerful tool for online users. Along with the right to freedom, the sanctions on abusing that freedom have become extremely difficult, if not impossible.
Toll on Mental Health
Depression and anxiety are among the major effects of cybercrimes on a victim. If you are experiencing any of this, find solace in the company of a trusted support group.
There are also mental health care support desks available online to help you through the process of recovery from the stress and emotional challenges you went through. A counselling agency based in Hongkong might provide you with the much needed support.
You can reach a competent therapist that can guide you in reaching a mindset that empowers online. Empowerment is crucial in a situation where you feel hopeless and powerless.
Governing Laws
Many countries have already chartered laws against cyber crimes to protect the victims and establish harsher punishment to violators. They aim to use the full capacity of the law in identifying and applying all possible ways to ensure safety of their citizens.
While the venue and jurisdiction of crime has been vague due to the nature of cyber crimes, lawmakers have made clear provisions to ensure that complaints can be filed as long as important elements of the crime can be identified. You can check your country’s policies to make sure incidents are managed lawfully.
For more information, visit:founders mental health
