Some liken the internet to the Wild West, with no enforceable rules of conduct or behavior. However, it is important to keep in mind that any behavior constituting stalking or harassment “in real life” does not become acceptable if it occurs online.
Definitions of “cyberstalking” and “cyber-harassment,” as adapted from the National Conference of State Legislatures, follow. (Note: “cyberbullying” is a term generally limited to interactions among minors.)
- Cyberstalking: the use of the Internet, email, or other electronic communications to stalk; generally refers to a pattern of threatening or malicious behaviors, including communicating a credible threat of harm.
- Cyber-harassment: differs from cyberstalking in that it is generally defined as not involving a credible threat. Cyber-harassment usually pertains to unconsented conduct, such as threatening or harassing email/instant messages, or to blog entries or websites dedicated solely to tormenting an individual. Harassment does not include constitutionally protected activity or conduct that serves a legitimate purpose, i.e., free speech.
In Michigan, depending on the circumstances, cyberstalking and cyber-harassment can constitute misdemeanors or felonies. These behaviors would also typically violate Michigan Tech’s Student Code of Conduct and Computer Use Policy; therefore, if you are the target of this type of inappropriate online behavior, or if a student confides to you that he or she is being harassed or stalked online, resources are available on campus.
If you become aware of cyber harassment on campus: