In addition to the threat of physical harm, cyberbullying generates long-term psychological consequences: panic attacks, feelings of insecurity, social isolation and depression, highlighted psychologist, schema therapist and specialist in the Alter platform, Margarita Spasskaya.
Attackers can also use information about a person to steal their identity or blackmail them, said Alexander Zakharov, dean of the Faculty of Information Technologies at Synergy University. “Deepfake technologies allow creating a quasi-digital double and spreading negative information on their behalf,” he added.
Spasskaya is sure that it is possible to recognize cyberbullying. It can be indicated by account hacking, intrusive messages from someone you’ve blocked multiple times, installing spyware, and using geolocation data when, for example, a stalker shows up at a place where you usually take photos. Another sign is fake profiles in his name, Zakharov added.
Digital hygiene will help minimize risks: you should post carefully, monitor privacy settings, limit access to data, use public Wi-Fi hotspots less often, and try not to share the Internet with strangers. An antivirus, strong passwords and changing them periodically will also help. If you are facing a real threat, you should consult with a lawyer and understand what information you need to gather to go to court.
