What common behavior is associated with victims of online stalking?

Victims of online stalking often exhibit a range of behaviors as they navigate the challenging and invasive experience of being stalked. The behavior of emailing pictures to stalkers can sometimes occur, as victims may initially engage with the stalker or may feel pressured to comply with requests in an attempt to appease the situation or de-escalate perceived threats. This reflects the complexity of victim behavior, where emotional responses, confusion, or manipulation may play a role in their actions.

In many cases, victims might not recognize the severity of the situation at first or may underestimate the stalker’s intentions, leading to actions that may seem counterintuitive. It's essential to understand that this behavior is often not a reflection of consent or choice, but rather a reaction to a distressing and potentially perilous circumstance where the victim feels they have limited options.

Other behaviors associated with victims, such as sharing personal information or ignoring the stalker, may be seen more commonly in different contexts of online interactions, but they do not capture the often misguided attempts at managing the relationship or situation that are characteristic of victims facing direct threats from stalkers. Meeting in person first is a less relevant aspect of online stalking, as most interactions begin in a digital space, making in-person meetings