“Is it really a crime to stalk? But I stalk”: The experience of online harassment

Authors

• Patrícia Lima University of Fortaleza (UNIFOR), Fortaleza - CE/Brazil
• Normanda Araujo de Morais Universidade de Fortaleza (UNIFOR), Fortaleza - CE/Brasil

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17058/psiunisc.v9i.19181

Keywords:

emotional abuse, young adult, digital technology, intimate partner violence

Abstract

Introduction: Digital abuse involves the perpetration of aggressive and controlling behaviors against an intimate partner through technology. This phenomenon represents a contemporary form of violence in romantic relationships, marked by dynamics of power, control, and surveillance, with significant impacts on young people’s mental health. Objectives: To understand the experiences of Brazilian youth regarding digital abuse in intimate relationships, analyzing the behaviors, beliefs, and impacts associated with this form of violence. Method: This qualitative, cross-sectional study is part of the broader project “Digital Abuse in Intimate Relationships: A Study with Brazilian Youth.” Fourteen participants aged 23 to 29 years (71.4% women) took part in semi-structured online interviews. The material was transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: The findings revealed actions or sets of actions mediated by technology that generated discomfort for at least one partner, including control, monitoring, and direct aggression. Participants’ justifications for digital abuse were linked to beliefs about romantic love and the normalization of jealousy. Common mental health impacts included symptoms of anxiety and depression, while coping strategies involved strengthening support networks and seeking professional help. Conclusion: Digital abuse constitutes a significant form of violence in intimate relationships, grounded in power and control dynamics. The study highlights the need to increase the visibility of this phenomenon and to develop preventive and interventional strategies aimed at young people in academic and community contexts.

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