Is Cyberstalking a Serious Cause for Concern?
For those who spend hours on the Internet, it’s hard to know when anonymous posters are just poking fun or making negative comments and when you are actually being stalked. “Cyberstalking usually involves a course of conduct, more than one instance, that would cause a reasonable person fear,” said Michael Kaiser, the Executive Director of the National Cyber Security Alliance. “E-mail, text messages, and harassing on websites are considered stalking in a lot of instances and a sign that things are turning.” Kathleen Baty, the CEO of Safety Chick Enterprises, was stalked from 1982 to 1990. She was kidnapped and held at gunpoint in an 11-hour standoff with police until she was finally let go. She now advises ESPN anchors and celebrities on how to deal with cyberstalking. “Stalking can take all forms,” said Baty. “If someone is following you or fixating upon you, sending you e-mails, waiting to show up at your door, it falls under the same umbrella of stalking.” Baty said there is a gray a
