In the past few years since I entered the Deaf cyberspace, I have observed a few people cyberstalking and cyberattacking other people, often out of personal vendettas. Cyberstalking and stalking in real life are scary and are signs of a degree of unhealthy obsession, which creates fear and distrust among people who are stalked. It's akin to practicing terrorism.
Of course, many of people do "follow" the "celebrities" like writers, photographers, bloggers, vloggers, actors, etc...since the "celebrities" give permission (setting up their own "official" websites, FaceBooks, etc.) I have a list of my "favorite bookmarks" that I "follow". Of course, the fans might overstep a boundary, making the people who are followed feel that their personal spaces are impeded.
But when it comes to blogging and vlogging negatively about people the bloggers/vloggers can't stand, it's OK as long as the blogs and vlogs address the ideas, not the people. If I see anyone attacking on a personal level that is unwarranted and full of immaturity and lies, then I make a decision to speak up or to remain silent, depending on how serious it is. This time, I made the decision to speak up... ENOUGH to a particular person that I won't name. This person has cyberstalked and cyberattacked a few people in the past. So what if they have different opinions, but for some reasons unknown to me, this person has his own agenda... which strikes me as paranoia lately.
That particular person did cyberstalked a few people in the past and that person is continuing the path of cyberstalking, now to a wonderful person who is well-known and well-respected and her partner who is savvy in intelligence. Now they, along a few others, are being threatened... that the stalker would "reveal" emails, etc. Which again makes me question... why? For what gain? For what loss? Can we just simply agree to disagree and let it go? Sure there is catcalling... of course. If one just simply ignores, the upheaval usually quickly dies down. I have noticed... again and again... that people tend to get personal when one "disagrees" with the IDEAS, and that "personal feeling" turns to "personal vendetta".
"Personal vendettas" are usually better termed as "obsessions". Best cure is to ignore the person, realizing that it's just perspectives, opinions, etc. Easier said than done, I am fully aware of it. "Personal vendettas" do lead to paranoia, thinking that the world is "against" us/them. People feel that a way to combat paranoia (often they don't know it's paranoia) is to be proactive. So they "commit" a few or several things. Like the Unabomber (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ted_Kaczynski).
Sadly, I am noticing one is happening now in the Deaf Cyberspace. Ahhh... the level of maturity.
Enough. If you have nothing nice to say, don't say it. AND remember one adage...
Yeah, to put it other words, there are better things in life to be a productive member of the society, whether it's microscopic or macroscopic.
Posted by: finlake | 12/13/2010 at 11:55 AM
I think it all comes down to credibility. This person, whom I think I know who you are referring to, doesn't have much of that. I'd ignore that particular person. But, it also seems there's so much secrets out there and that is a dangerous thing too.
Posted by: Candy | 12/13/2010 at 11:59 AM
Yup. I'd easily ignore anyone, but when one starts making or/and carrying out the threats, then that's a different story.
Best to be active in real life... there's more to it than to the cyberlife. For one example, I volunteered at the book fair and it was really nice socializing a bit with Deaf adults and meeting a Deaf parent who recently moved to Rochester a few months ago.
Posted by: Karen Mayes | 12/13/2010 at 12:08 PM
Karen
Thanks for your continued shout outs against cyber harassment
especially within such a small community
The Deaf world is small and V E R Y small on-line
from ur fingertips to our hearts
"tread carefully, feelings are everywhere"
peace
patti
Posted by: patti | 12/15/2010 at 07:17 PM