ORLANDO, Fla. – Women and girls are increasingly becoming the target of online harassment. Some examples are cyberstalking, revenge porn, name-calling, threats, or other forms of exploitation. Research shows about 9 out of 10 Americans say being harassed or bullied online is a problem.
A Pew Research Center study found that women are more than twice as likely as men to experience sexual harassment online. To protect yourself, be very careful about what you send to others. That includes sexting.
“A lot of people think that will disappear. Don’t, because it can be used to blackmail and so many women’s lives have been ruined by that,” said Laura Frombach, technologist and author.
Google your name to see how much personal data is already out there and what you can delete. Never share addresses, phone numbers, or names of the places you work online. Also, while it’s useful to have your tracking features turned on so loved ones know where you are, make sure they’re turned off on all your social media sites.
“Because you go on Instagram, you go on social media, and it will tell people where you are,” explained Frombach.
And don’t physically share your phone or devices with others. They can put tracking apps on it that invade your privacy and possibly your safety.
“So, no matter what you have your settings set at, that app will track your passwords, it will track where you are, it will track what apps you use. And domestic violence abusers are using these to really stalk women,” explained Frombach.
Be careful when asking a stranger to take a photo with your phone. They can easily gain access to your apps and personal information. Instead, don’t unlock your phone to get to the camera app. Keep your phone locked, and swipe right for the camera. That will only give them access to take a photo.