Testing the Target Congruence Approach: Do Vulnerability, Gratifiability, and Antagonism Explain Cyberstalking Victimization Among Young Adults?

Abstract

To extend theoretical understanding of cyberspace victimization beyond lifestyle-routine activity theory, we tested the target congruence approach as a plausible explanation for cyberstalking victimization. Of secondary interest, we assessed whether the relationship between target congruence and cyberstalking victimization differs by pursued–pursuer relationship. Survey data from a sample of 1,500 young adults (18–25 years old) revealed 32% had experienced cyberstalking victimization within the previous year. Logistic regression results moderately support the target congruence approach. Measures capturing target vulnerability (e.g., age, disability), target gratifiability (e.g., gender identity, types of photos posted), and target antagonism (e.g., relationship status, cyberstalking perpetration) significantly predicted cyberstalking victimization. Moreover, it appears that the target congruence elements better explain cyberstalking victimization conducted by someone known to the target (compared with a stranger). Implications for the applicability of the target congruence approach are discussed, along with suggestions for future research.

Is It a Crime? Cyberstalking Victims’ Reasons for Not Reporting to Law Enforcement

“…Cyberstalking, which is defined as the repeated pursuit behavior of an individual using communication technologies that cause the target to experience a substantial emotional response or fear for their safety or the safety of someone close to them (Fissel et al 2023;Kaur et al 2021), impacts a substantial number of individuals (Fissel et al 2023;Kaur et al 2021;Morgan and Truman 2022;Reyns et al 2011). A recent estimate from a nationally representative sample of United States residents aged 16 or older suggests that 3.4 million people experienced stalking in 2019, with 2.7 million of these victims experiencing cyberstalking behaviors (Morgan and Truman 2022).…”