Nowadays everyone and their Mom has a Myspace or Facebook page. This ultra hip, efficient way to communicate and stay in touch with others is most often a terrific tool. It can, however, be dangerous. The relatively new phenomenon of cyberstalking and cyberharassment may sound like a joke but are just as serious as physical stalking and harassment. Cyberstalking and cyberharassment are technically different (a couple subtle differences), but most of us use them interchangeably. The National Center for Victims of Crime define cyberstalking as, “threatening behavior or unwanted advances directed at another using the Internet and other forms of online and computer communications.”

Sure we’ve all received those annoying friend requests that just happen to have pictures of smokin’ hot girls attached. And clearly we’re all smart enough to realize that smokin’ hot girl isn’t actually online nor is she trying to be our friend. But what happens when this harassment rises to the next level?

As Michael Banks, author of Web Psychos, Stalkers and Pranksters, writes: “It’s easier to stay out of trouble than to get out of trouble.” So here is a list of defensive action you can take to protect yourself in the unruly world of the cyberspace.

-Don’t give out personal information
-Don’t post personal information on your Myspace, Facebook, or website
-Don’t respond to provocation of any sort, even on blogs or in chat rooms
-Don’t flirt online (this includes using a “sexy” screen name; the best screen name to use is a genderless one)
-Notify your Internet service provider if an individual is harassing you or notify the moderator/operator of the chat room or message board.
-Google yourself to make sure there isn’t personal information on the web about you that you didn’t post.
-There are many different protective software programs out there. Stop by your local computer store and ask about your options.

If someone is harassing or stalking your online, don’t respond. The first step in deterring them is to ignore them. If they don’t receive the response they’re looking for, they’ll get bored and move on. If it does continue notify your internet service provider and their’s. Save hard copies of all correspondence and if you are threatened, report it to the police immediately. Unfortunately most police agencies aren’t very familiar with cyberstalking, but you still need to report it. There around a dozen states who have laws against cyberstalking and there is currently discussion on the federal level to enact legislation.

Again, cyberstalking is a serious matter. Victims suffer similar symptoms as other trauma victims including: sleeplessness, anxiety, nightmares, shock, and fearfulness. So please take steps to protect yourself and maintain a pleasant online experience.