How To Tackle Digital Harassment, Sextortion, Identity Theft, And Cyberbullying | Lifestyle News

India, with over 500 million social media customers as of 2023, is going through its personal digital disaster.

Digital harassment, sextortion, id theft, and cyberbullying are rising on-line threats that may significantly influence psychological well being, privateness, and security. It is essential to remain cautious and conscious in immediately’s hyper-connected world. Here are some rapid steps and insights that can assist you perceive and deal with these points successfully.

With fast digital transformation, our private {and professional} lives are extra related than ever via the web and smartphones. While this brings comfort, it additionally will increase the danger of on-line abuse. Cases of digital harassment, sextortion, id theft, and cyberbullying are on the rise and demand well timed consideration. These are types of on-line exploitation the place expertise is misused to hurt, threaten, or manipulate others. Common causes embrace weak on-line safety, lack of know-how, misuse of non-public information, or malicious intent. The penalties will be extreme, starting from emotional trauma and monetary loss to long-term psychological well being points and reputational injury.

Kruti Sharma, Corporate Trainer, Leadership Coach, POSH & AML Expert, shares all it’s good to know:

Understanding These Rising Issues

Digital harassment entails repeated, undesirable on-line habits equivalent to threatening messages, stalking, or spreading rumors to misery somebody. Often, it’s motivated by revenge.

Sextortion happens when personal photographs or movies are used to blackmail victims for cash or favours, an more and more widespread risk.

Identity theft occurs when somebody steals private particulars like Aadhaar, PAN, financial institution data, or social media credentials to commit fraud.

Cyberbullying refers to on-line trolling, bullying, or focused harassment, which is most typical amongst youngsters but additionally impacts adults.

These issues usually stem from oversharing on-line, weak passwords, phishing scams, faux profiles, or misplaced belief in strangers.

Consequences of These Threats

Victims usually face stress, anxiousness, melancholy, and social withdrawal. They might keep away from gatherings, really feel remoted, and battle with anger or frustration. Financial losses from fraud or extortion will be devastating, whereas reputational injury might have an effect on careers, training, and relationships. In extreme circumstances, such abuse may even result in self-harm or suicidal ideas.

Essential Safety Tips

Protect your privateness: Avoid sharing private data like cellphone numbers, addresses, or personal images on-line.

Secure your accounts: Keep OTPs, PINs, and passwords confidential. Enable two-factor authentication wherever doable.

Stay cautious on social media: Keep profiles personal and keep away from including unknown individuals.

Report sextortion: If threatened, contact cybercrime authorities instantly as an alternative of struggling in silence. Complaints will be filed at native cybercrime police stations or via the nationwide cybercrime portal.

Seek assist: Counseling can assist victims course of trauma, rebuild confidence, and heal emotionally.

Remaining vigilant, educating your self about on-line threats, and utilizing expertise properly are important steps towards secure digital residing. By standing up towards on-line abuse and spreading consciousness, we are able to create a safer web for everybody.