Which statement best defines cyberstalking?

• A. A physical meeting with a targeted person
• B. Engaging in a course of conduct to communicate, or cause to be communicated, words, images, or language by or through electronic mail or electronic communication, directed at a specific person, causing substantial emotional distress to that person and serving no legitimate purpose
• C. A one-time message to a public forum
• D. A direct threat to property only

Answer: (C)

Cyberstalking is a pattern of online harassment where someone uses electronic communications to target a specific person, with the intent to threaten, intimidate, or cause substantial emotional distress, and without a legitimate purpose. The best description is the one that says there is a course of conduct through electronic mail or electronic communication directed at a specific person, causing substantial emotional distress and serving no legitimate purpose. This captures the key elements: repetition, targeted recipient, online channels, and harm that has no legitimate justification.

A single, impulsive message to a public forum doesn’t show the ongoing pattern or targeted harassment required for cyberstalking, and a direct threat to property focuses on property rather than the person’s emotional well-being.