Beingstalking

Beingstalking is a term used to describe the experience of being the target of stalking. Stalking consists of repeated, unwanted attention or contact by a person or group, with the intent or effect of surveillance or control. Tactics can include following, monitoring, unwanted messages, showing up uninvited, threats, or interference with daily life. Stalking can occur in person or online, and digital stalking often involves social media, messaging apps, or other platforms used to monitor or harass the victim.

Patterns vary. Some stalkers are intimate partners; others are strangers, acquaintances, or colleagues. Digital stalking has grown with technology and may involve impersonation, doxxing, or attempts to isolate the victim from social networks. Persistence and the perception of being watched are common features.

Effects on victims include fear for safety, anxiety, sleep disturbance, and social withdrawal. Stalking can impair functioning and may escalate to violence in some cases, especially when threats are made.

Legal and safety responses vary by jurisdiction. In many places, stalking is illegal and may be addressed with police intervention, protective orders, or civil remedies. Victims are advised to document incidents, preserve communications, seek support from trusted people, and consider safety planning.

Support and resources include victim services, counseling, and hotlines. Online safety steps—such as reviewing privacy settings and securing accounts—can also help, though the perpetrator's actions are the primary issue. The term beingstalking centers the victim's experience in discussions of this behavior.