Unsafe Online: Routine Activities and Cyber Stalking Victimization Among College Students

• In Event: Roundtable: Victimization

Abstract

The current research literature confirms that the problem of cyber stalking is especially problematic among college students. Research conducted by Reyns, Henson & Fisher (2011) reflects this pattern; in their survey of 974 college students, 40% reported some form of cyber-stalking victimization. Reyns, et.al. (2011) applied Routine Activities Theory to cyber stalking. The current study utilizes an online survey with a larger sample to expand the application of Routine Activities Theory to online stalking. It builds on Reyns, et.al. (2011), including a broader array of victimization measures. The survey also includes a measure of offline stalking victimization, allowing an examination of the relationship between online and offline stalking. Finally, it expands upon White & Carmody (2016) with expanded examination of student recommendations for education and prevention strategies to combat cyber stalking

Author

• Dianne Carmody, Old Dominion University