Cyber Stalking

My last Blog explored how we use the text message as a form of first contact even though it is a completely inappropriate means of contacting a prospective date. Well, it is for me but for others who are not quite as gregarious, it may just be a way of over coming their shyness.

Tonight I want to talk about 'last contact'. Text is of course a very useful tool during the break up of a relationship. It can be used to initiate the break up (rude and cowardly!), to exchange heated horrible insults that you would never dare utter face to face and then it is a most convenient way of stalking the person who you have unfortunately been dumped by! Text is an effective, entertaining, dangerous, powerful and cruel way of communicating with another.

Moving swiftly on to email and other forms of electronic communication. I have talked about this to a couple of friends recently. One, has a family member who's life has been virtually turned upside down by a woman that has seen fit to use all available means... text, email, and social networking sites to stalk and attack this guy, he has done nothing to deserve it. The other is fighting for the rights of his youngest child through the courts and has had to put so many security measures in place his computer is akin to Colditz. He has had to spend hours and hours doing this just so that he has the freedom to Blog about non-related subjects.

Has the surge in use of Cyber communication and SMS brought out a frightening aspect of our personalities? Do we all have it in us to become a Stalker? I thought at first the word 'Stalker' was too strong but I am realising that the word fits this type of person all too neatly.

I had an insidious email today, from a guy who is unable to let go and wants me to take responsibility for his actions. It didn't upset me because I have moved on. I have done all the angst and the guilt and have left it behind. I am not going to put security measures into this Blog because that defeats the very essence of it. My friend who is fighting for his parental rights, alas, does not have that luxury.

Back to my question. Are we all prospective Stalkers? In my opinion we are all prospective killers but what separates us from those on Death Row is a conscience and an intelligence far superior to those serving time. It may be within us, but it does not mean we can act on our most basic of instincts.

A reality check to all you hiding behind your computers. This technology is a two way street.

Be Kind to each other.

Muse x