Rant #2: Internet Stalking
Posted by Ariela on November 2, 2009
Today I had to deal with two issues of what I like to term Internet stalking. Plus let’s start trying to count how many times before that…
As a disclaimer: I’m quite aware that I am putting out my full name in public on the Internet. Alongside that comes the ability for others to find out anything in the world that I am doing via a simple search. I typically am quite fine with this, because I really have nothing to hide that I put out on here.
What is irritating, however, are the stalkers. No, not stalkers in the traditional sense where they follow you around, watching your every move, because of some weird obsession – or, wait, that’s actually exactly what’s happening.
On the professional level, I suppose my boss(es), ex-boss(es), clients, potential clients, coworkers, and maybe even unrelated colleagues have a valid reason to check up on what I’m doing; To see what “kind of person” I am and to “get a feel” for what I can do. Past employers, I can assume, continue to keep track of what I’m doing to protect their own interests. (You guys really have nothing to worry about, by the way…)
What comes to be the problem with Internet stalking is when it comes from “personally-motivated” and rather technologically unsavvy people.
Going along with this modern day and age, I have friends of all shapes, colors, faiths, and genders. The latter two always seem to pop up randomly and become an issue. Either way, what ends up happening is I get some random, libelous, and harassing comments, e-mails, instant messages, etc. This is, yes, illegal, as it is (as stated above) harassment.
Why does the Internet community allow libel and harassment to continue? Are we so afraid of limiting “free speech” that we won’t take action against those who abuse this right?
I’m not expecting everyone to agree with me, just ranting… Have a nice day and happy internet stalking to you all 
