Net Pests
 

As its Internet Day I wondered if we should discuss the serious issue of internet pests.

Obviously we are all very aware that a person online might not be who they said they are but also there is a danger of net stalkers.

By this I mean people who collect data regarding you, analising your personal info and basically being hounded by such people.

Sad as it may seem, its quiet a common thing to have done to you. I guess because you only meet online the person could become addicted to finding out your data.

Is it easy to fall into the trap of becoming obsessing or maybe giving out too much info about you to have an online stalker?

Oh I am sure we have had many of them come through this site over the years as well Kiz.

It is worrying that someone could unstable enough to pretend they want to be friends then systematically gather as much personal information about you as they can. I dont and wont profess to be able to understand what pushes people to do that.

I just cant understand the obsession to stalk someone and to pretend they are someone they arent.

I understand you completely Kiz. I think they're called trolls. Why dont they just give up?

Its not just about giving up.... its also about becoming so obsessed that its too far from reality

Aye. Like those people who are completely obseesed with a certain celebrity.

I think it is east to become obsessed with forums, but to become obsessive over certain members on one, and start to cyber stalk them is weird. Following them wherever they go, and reading and saving everything they post. If that happened in real life, you would be able to get a restraining order.

But should the law be changed in that respect?

What makes net stalking different to anything else?

That's what I am saying. It isn't any different. Apart from the fact that they can't physically do anything, unless they find out your address details etc. The law should be changed, but I think it is hard for them to control.

Exactly, it's so weird, I can't see the point of doing this.

You can still be scared from net stalking, I know someone who was very very scared bless her

It may be hard to control, your right Baz, but surely there are ways

And Remy, its pointless trying to hide and be someone else. In the long run its always best to be yourself

I know some people can be scared, but as I say, they cannot do anything physiacally as long as you are careful not to give your details out.

They still make quite scary threats though.

It's worse than pointless, I mean, those people have no life at all.

exactly......its unervey really

and it can be very sinister

I think net stalking is a pretty big deal these days. I think anyone is at risk of it happening to them. Those people that are likely to stalk are probably I would imagine quite convincing in their friendliness at first. That kind of would make you let down your barriers.

How many of you can honestly say you have not given your personal email address to someone you only know through the net? I know some wont have but I also know many of you will have. Makes you think really

is that like giving out msn addy? cos the majority of tibbh ave mine :O

I resent that, when I developed the trolls for my storyline for Season 5 of the Mystical Realms Sagas you find trolls are a decent, cultural mix who prise honour in battle and ancient traditions quite highly.

Why should they be maligned by association with social misfits. :nono: :whistle:

Its scary if you think about it. But i always take precaution, just incase.