‘…her aim was to ruin my reputation’: Cyberstalking Victimization Experiences among University Students in Nigeria

Abstract

While global knowledge about cyberstalking is growing, intellectual engagement of the phenomenon in Nigeria is still at infancy and focused mainly on awareness. Scanty attention has however been paid to the nature of victimization experiences and its effects on victims. Against this background, this study investigated the nature and effects of cyberstalking among victims at the University of Ibadan. Using purposive and snowball sampling techniques, 30 victims of cyber stalking were subjected to indepth interview. Results indicated that their active online activities and the anonymity guaranteed in cyberspace contributed to their victimization. While one of the social and psychological effects of cyberstalking is social estrangement of victims, most victims failed to report to the Police owing to fear of repeat victimization and lack of trust in the policing institution. Instead, they accessed informal coping mechanisms from friends and family.