A person who willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly follows, harasses or cyberstalks another person commits the offense of stalking, a misdemeanor of the first degree in many states like Florida [SEE: §784.048(2), Florida Statutes].
Check your local laws and statutes in your area, noting United States residents should also be aware that some forms of cyberbullying and/or cyberstalking make include federal violations if threats are communicated over state lines.
Stalking is a crime in many states and countries internationally.
Stalking, as a verb, (technically speaking) is hunting for prey.
When a person physically follows someone, contacts them excessively or against the express wishes of their targeted party, or chooses to strive to interject themselves in the life of a person who desires to limit, avoid, or eliminate any and all opportunity for social contact or interaction, they typically do so while attention-seeking.
An example of stalking is showing up at places where a targeted person is known to frequent with the intent of creating an opportunity for social interaction. For some, that might simply mean catching a glimpse of a love interest or celebrity while hiding in the bushes. For others, it might mean catching a target by surprise in an attempt to produce duress, start a physical altercation, or to physically force them to interact.
The goal of stalkers is NEVER nice.
