Addicted to the Thrill of the Virtual Hunt: Examining the Effects of Internet Addiction on the Cyberstalking Behaviors of Juveniles

ABSTRACT

The rapid advancement of technology has produced several substantial benefits that enrich individuals’ lives, but some also note that technology has provided new methods to engage in crime—particularly stalking. This investigation was one of the first to explore whether a relationship existed between cyberstalking and a new phenomenon becoming a pressing issue in the lives of adolescents: Internet Addiction. High school students in a rural North Carolina country were surveyed about their Internet behaviors and experiences. After analysis, the results indicated there is a significant relationship between Internet Addiction and cyberstalking in adolescents.

Notes

¹ The use of consent form and assent form separately in this section is intentional. When scientific research involves minor children, who cannot legally grant consent, permission to participate must be obtained from a parent or guardian who can legally consent (via a consent form). In addition, researchers must also gather acknowledgement of the minor’s willingness to participate separately via an assent form.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jordana N. Navarro

JORDANA N. NAVARRO is an Assistant Professor of sociology in the Department of Sociology and Political Science at Tennessee Technological University. Her research interests include cyber-victimization and domestic violence. Her current research focuses on the prevalence and underreporting of domestic violence on college campuses.

Catherine D. Marcum

CATHERINE D. MARCUM is an Associate Professor of criminal justice in the Department of Government and Justice Studies at Appalachian State University. She received her Ph.D. in Criminology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2008. She has published several journal articles and books in the areas of cybercrime, correctional issues, and sexual victimization.

George E. Higgins

GEORGE E. HIGGINS is a Professor in the Department of Justice Administration at the University of Louisville. He received his Ph.D. in Criminology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2001. He is the current editor of the Journal of Criminal Justice Education. His most recent publications appear or are forthcoming in Journal of Criminal Justice, Criminal Justice and Behavior, Justice Quarterly, Deviant Behavior, and Youth and Society.

Melissa L. Ricketts

MELISSA L. RICKETTS is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Criminal Justice Department at Shippensburg University. She received her Ph.D. in Criminology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2005. She has published several journal articles and book chapters primarily in the areas of criminological theory testing, cybercrime, and school violence.