Almost a quarter of internet users may experience cyberstalking by 2025 – report

Much of our lives are spent online, and alongside the freedom the online world brings, it also leaves us vulnerable to various threats. One of these threats is cyberstalking, which could affect nearly a quarter of internet users by 2025.

A report by VPNRanks predicts that 23% of internet users could experience online-related stalking by 2025. Based on current and previous trends, the VPN review site forecasts an annual growth rate of 5%, which reflects the increased number of cyberstalking incidents.

It’s estimated that by 2025, almost nine million people could experience cyberstalking, with three out of ten US users affected.

Cyberstalking is a malicious activity where a person uses electronic communications such as email, SMS, or social media messaging to threaten, scare, or harass someone.

One popular example of cyberstalking was shown in the hit Netflix series ‘Baby Reindeer,’ written and created by Richard Gadd, which demonstrated the effects of digital abuse on its protagonist, Donny.

Donny, played by Gadd, would receive thousands of texts and emails every day from a woman called Martha. Donny would also receive a multitude of comments on his Facebook profile which were lewd and some aggressive.

Although some might think that cyberstalking is uncommon, it’s more prevalent than you might think.

In 2021, the percentage of cyberstalking victims ranged from roughly 7% to 40% across different studies.

Similarly to Gadd’s real-life experience as portrayed in Baby Reindeer, the majority of stalking victims also experience cyberstalking.

As portrayed in the series, Gadd knew his stalker. Similarly, according to VPNRanks, almost 70% of victims knew the assailant and feared being physically harmed by them.

In 2019, around 1.5 million people aged 16 or older (about 0.6 percent of the US population) were victims of cyberstalking.

There are various reasons why cyberstalking is becoming a widespread issue.

As more people move online, there is more space for bad actors to exploit their victims, making the internet a much bigger hunting ground.

With the increased use of smart devices and the creation of sophisticated hacking tools, bad actors are able to track, harass, and intimidate their victims more effectively than ever before.

While devices are getting smarter, threat actors prefer to use conventional methods when carrying out digital abuse. In 2025, text messaging, email, and calls are predicted to remain the most common methods of cyberstalking.

Perhaps one of the main reasons that cyberstalking can proliferate with ease is the lack of awareness surrounding the subject. People are less inclined to report cyberstalking for various reasons, such as the fear of retaliation or the general lack of understanding surrounding the legalities of such an act.

“Many cyberstalking cases go unreported, making it challenging to capture the full scope of the issue. By 2025, VPNRanks predicts that reported cases may represent only about 10% of the total incidents, highlighting the need for continued improvements in reporting mechanisms and public awareness.”

To appropriately address issues surrounding cyberstalking in the digital domain, VPNRanks calls for better for “more robust digital security measures and increased awareness” of cyberstalking.

“Combating cyberstalking requires a multi-faceted approach involving technology, education, and legal frameworks. By understanding the scope of the problem and taking preventive measures, we can mitigate the risks associated with cyberstalking. It’s crucial for everyone to stay informed and vigilant to ensure a safer digital future,” VPNRanks concludes.