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This exploratory study of 339 students at the University of New Hampshire found that approximately 10% to 15% of students reported receiving repeated e-mail or Instant Messenger (I-M) messages that "threatened, insulted, or harassed," and more than half of the students received unwanted pornography. Approximately 7% of students reported online harassment to an authority. Messages originated from strangers, acquaintances, and significant others. No difference in online harassment was found based on demographic variables except sexual orientation. Sexual minority students were more likely to receive online harassment from strangers than were heterosexual students. Implications for further research and for policy/program development are discussed.

This article reviews the growing use of online self-help and mutual aid groups and explores the helping mechanisms and content of an online self-help group for issues related to disability. Messages were downloaded from the group and coded by raters into helping categories to examine the extent to which therapeutic processes were found. The categories included both task and socioemotional-related functions. The study found that the group provided many of the processes used in face-to-face self-help and mutual aid groups, with an emphasis on mutual problem solving, information sharing, expression of feelings, catharsis, and mutual support and empathy. Implications for social work and health care providers and the need for further research are discussed.

This research note describes the use of a broad range of technologies in intimate partner stalking, including cordless and cellular telephones, fax machines, e-mail, Internet-based harassment, global positioning systems, spy ware, video cameras, and online databases. The concept of "stalking with technology" is reviewed, and the need for an expanded definition of cyberstalking is presented. Legal issues and advocacy-centered responses, including training, legal remedies, public policy issues, and technology industry practices, are discussed.

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