TYPES OF CYBERSTALKERS

Who are cyberstalkers?

A cyberstalker can be anyone, including unknown members of online
communities or forums. They are generally someone who has a close personal
tie to you. This may include, but are not limited to: former or current
spouses/significant others; co-workers; frustrated suitors; classmates; radical
religious sects and racial supremacy groups; and shy individuals who would not
want to physically follow or call you.
Why do people cyberstalk?
The behaviour is often motivated by a sense of personal wrong or belief that
there has been harm done by you. More often than not, this perception is not
based in reality. The cyberstalking can be driven by hate, anger, jealousy,
obsession or mental illness. The cyberstalker is often driven by a desire to
frighten or embarrass you, or to teach you a lesson. Money, politics, religious
beliefs, revenge, hate and romance (either desired or former) are the primary
motivations.
There are also many cases where you and cyberstalker do not have any
relationship, or are nothing more than casual acquaintances. In these cases, the
motivations are generally the personal enjoyment of the cyberstalker, who takes
pleasure in causing you distress, embarrassing you, or making you the subject of
ridicule or further harassment by others.
Common types of cyberstalking behaviours
There are a number of different ways that cyberstalking can be classified, most
derived from the way the stalking behaviours are started or manifest. The most
common types can be classified as the following:

Obsessive: Typically a former intimate partner who refuses to believe that

a relationship is over, despite having been told repeatedly that it is. They
may not see that their behaviour is harmful/threatening.
Delusional: This type of stalker frequently has never had any direct
contact with you. They may suffer from mental illness like schizophrenia
or bipolar disorder. What they generally have is a false belief that keeps
them tied to you, such as a belief that he/she and you are destined to be
together.

Vengeful: Seeking revenge, generally very angry with you for a wrong,
either real or imagined. They may never have met you, but generally

have. Their behaviour is meant to be threatening and harmful. It can

escalate to violence.

Troll: Seeks to draw people into pointless/controversial/off-topic debates

or discussions to lend themselves more credibility than they deserve.
They will frequently follow you and steal content, mock, copy actions or
threaten to evoke a reaction. It is common to find this type of stalker
online.
References:
Wired Inc. (2004). Cyber Stalking and Harassment FAQ. Accessed on February 9, 2011 at
http://www.wiredsafety.org/cyberstalking_harassment/stalker.html.
Sullivan, D. (2002). A critical analysis of Queenslands cyberstalking legislation. NSW Society
for computers and the law Journal, 48. Accessed on February 9, 2011 at
http://www.nswscl.org.au/journal/48/Sullivan1.html.
(Unknown). Issues related to Bullying Stalker Types. Accessed on February 3, 2011 at
http://www.bullyonline.org/related/stalking.htm#Types.
Networking News. (2009). Cyber Stalking - Six Types of New-Aged Internet Stalker.
Accessed on February 4, 2011 at http://www.bukisa.com/articles/147700_cyber-stalking-sixtypes-of-new-aged-internet-stakler.
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