Why stalking, cyberbullying and doxxing are so harmful and what makes people do it
People’s reliance on technology and social media has led to a rise in cyberbullying, doxxing and stalking. It is increasingly common among children and teens. A psychologist and parent offer their takes on the phenomenon
The popular expression “revenge is a dish best served cold” does not seem to hold true in today’s digital age. A culture of impatience and instant gratification reigns supreme, and this mindset also applies to a desire for revenge.
Before the advent of internet technology, it was unimaginable that we could one day use communication in ways that could be so cruel and detrimental to others.
Today’s new technology facilitates instant, widespread and anonymous ways to inflict harm more easily on others and often without repercussions or legal consequences.
And these types of hateful and aggressive online behaviour are becoming more common among young social media users.
A new study by the Hong Kong Polytechnic University revealed that more than half of the city’s secondary school pupils have had personal data and photos published on social media and instant messaging apps without their knowledge and consent. This new form of cyberbullying is known as doxxing.
The practice involves tracking down personal details about others and circulating them with an intent to embarrass or draw criticism towards the victim. The purpose is to ruin the person’s reputation, or worse, and cause physical harm in some extreme cases.