Evaluation of cyberstalking and its relations with the fear of missing out, the compulsive internet use, and emotional intelligence
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22235/cp.v19i1.4031Keywords:
Cyberstalking, digital emergent phenomena, Fear of Missing Out, FOMO, compulsive internet use, emotional intelligenceAbstract
Cyberstalking is a form of persecution that has spread with the evolution of technology and has gained significant attention in recent years. There are different studies that attempt to investigate variables that could be related to this type of behavior. This research aims to find some validity evidence for the assessment of cyberstalking in the Argentine context. Additionally, it seeks to analyze the relationships between cyberstalking and other emerging digital phenomena, such as Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) and compulsive internet use. The study was conducted with a sample of 1102 participants, with an age range of 18 to 65 years (M = 38.21; SD = 10.45), 53.90 % were identified as female and 46.10 % as male. Regarding the first objective of the study, we observed validity evidence of the cyberstalking scale, confirming its reliability and relevance. Concerning the second objective, the findings provided an analysis between cyberstalking, FoMO, and compulsive internet use. The findings highlight the importance of how compulsive internet use and the fear of missing out are potential factors that favor cyberstalking behaviors. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions and digital literacy programs aimed at reducing the risk of cyberstalking, especially among vulnerable populations.
Downloads
References
Abiyoga, M. I., Suparmi, & Sulastri, A. (2024). Emotional intelligence, social support, and anxiety among victims of cyberbullying: A literature study. Proceeding Series of Psychology, 2(1), 1-8.
Abu-Ulbeh, W., Altalhi, M., Abualigah, L., Almazroi, A. A., Sumari, P., & Gandomi, A. H. (2021). Cyberstalking victimization model using criminological theory: A systematic literature review, taxonomies, applications, tools, and validations. Electronics, 10(14), 1670. https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics10141670
Ahlgrim, B., & Terrance, C. (2018). Perceptions of cyberstalking: Impact of perpetrator gender and cyberstalker/victim relationship. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 36(7-8), NP4074-NP4093. https://doi.org/10.1177/0886260518784590
Albalá Genol, M. Á., Etchezahar, E., Maldonado Rico, A., & Gómez Yepes, T. (2022). Representations of social justice and digital civic engagement: The influence of psychosocial variables in teacher training. Sustainability, 14(12), 7096. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14127096
Al-Sarayra, K. (2022). The predictive power of emotional intelligence in cyberbullying among Jordanian university students. Journal of Educational and Developmental Psychology 12(1), 31-42. https://doi.org/10.5539/jedp.v12n1p31
Barberis, N., Martino, G., Calaresi, D., & Žvelc, G. (2020). Development of the Italian version of the test of object relations-short form. Clinical Neuropsychiatry, 17(1), 24-33. https://doi.org/10.36131/clinicalnpsych20200103
Begotti, T., & Acquadro Maran, D. (2019). Characteristics of cyberstalking behavior, consequences, and coping strategies: A cross-sectional study in a sample of Italian university students. Future Internet, 11, 120. https://doi.org/10.3390/fi11050120
Błachnio, A., & Przepiorka, A. (2016). Personality and positive orientation in Internet and Facebook addiction. An empirical report from Poland. Computers in Human Behavior, 59, 230-236. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2016.02.018
Bocij, P., Griffiths, M. D., & McFarlane, L. (2004). Cyberstalking: A new challenge for criminal law. The Criminal Lawyer, 122, 3-5.
Borrajo, E., Gámez-Guadix, M., & Calvete, E. (2015). Cyber dating abuse: Prevalence, context, and relationship with offline dating aggression. Psychological Reports, 116(2), 565-585. https://doi.org/10.2466/21.16.PR0.116k22w4
Brackett, M. A., & Salovey, P. (2006). Measuring emotional intelligence with the Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (MSCEIT). Psicothema, 18, 34-41.
Cavezza, C., & McEwan, T. E. (2014). Cyberstalking versus off-line stalking in a forensic sample. Psychology, Crime and Law, 20(10), 955-970. https://doi.org/10.1080/1068316X.2014.893334
Chen, L., & Lee, C. (2017). Cyberbullying and cyberstalking: examination of profiles and emotional intelligence of Taiwanese perpetrators. Educational Psychology, 37(4), 496-514. https://doi.org/10.1080/01443410.2016.1253708
Chen, L., & Roberts, J. A. (2021). The revised online disinhibition effect: Implications for digital behavior. Journal of Digital Psychology, 3(1), 15-28. https://doi.org/10.1037/dig0000021
Chotpitayasunondh, V., & Douglas, K. M. (2016). How “phubbing” becomes the norm: The antecedents and consequences of snubbing via smartphone. Computers in Human Behavior, 63, 9-18. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2016.05.018
Comisión Económica para América Latina y el Caribe. (2023). Panorama Social de América Latina y el Caribe 2023: la inclusión laboral como eje central para el desarrollo social inclusive. https://hdl.handle.net/11362/68702
Cook, T. D., Campbell, D. T., & Shadish, W. (2002). Experimental and quasi-experimental designs for generalized causal inference. Houghton Mifflin.
Council of Europe. (2007). Cyberstalking: the technological dimension of stalking. https://rm.coe.int/CoER
D’Arienzo, M. C., Boursier, V., & Griffiths, M. D. (2019). Addiction to social media and attachment styles: A systematic literature review. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, 17, 1094-1118. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-019-00082-5
Dreßing, H., Bailer, J., Anders, A., Wagner, H., & Gallas, C. (2014). Cyberstalking in a large sample of social network users: Prevalence, characteristics, and impact upon victims. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 17(1), 61-67. https://doi.org/10.1089/cyber.2012.0231
Durao, M., Etchezahar, E., Genol, M. Á. A., & Muller, M. (2023). Fear of Missing Out, Emotional Intelligence and Attachment in Older Adults in Argentina. Journal of Intelligence, 11(2), 22. https://doi.org/10.3390/jintelligence11020022
Durao, M., Etchezahar, E., Genol, M. Á. A., & Muller, M. (2024). Adaptation and validation of the Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) scale to the Argentine context. Current Psychology, 43(41), 32143-32153. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-024-06571-8
Etchezahar, E., Durao, M., Albalá Genol, M. Á., & Muller, M. (2023). Validation of the Perceived Phubbing Scale to the Argentine Context. Behavioral Sciences, 13(2), 192. https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13020192
Etikan, I., Musa, S. A., & Alkassim, R. S. (2016). Comparison of convenience sampling and purposive sampling. American Journal of Theoretical and Applied Statistics, 5(1), 1-4. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajtas.20160501.11
Extremera Pacheco, N., & Fernández Berrocal, P. (2005). Inteligencia emocional percibida y diferencias individuales en el meta-conocimiento de los estados emocionales: una revisión de los estudios con el TMMS. Ansiedad y estrés, 11(2-3), 101-122.
Fansher, A. K., & Randa, R. (2019). Risky social media behaviors and the potential for victimization: A descriptive look at college students victimized by someone met online. Violence and Gender, 6(2), 115-123. https://doi.org/10.1089/vio.2017.0073
Fissel, E. R., & Reyns, B. W. (2020). The aftermath of cyberstalking: School, work, social, and health costs of victimization. American Journal of Criminal Justice, 45, 70-87. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12103-019-09489-1
George, D., & Mallery, P. (2010). SPSS for Windows step by step. A simple study guide and reference. Pearson Education.
Goleman, D. (1995). Emotional intelligence. Bantam Books.
Gross, E. F., Juvonen, J., & Gable, S. L. (2016). Internet use and emotional intelligence: The impact of digital communication technologies on adolescent emotional competence. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 45(2), 431-444. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-015-0381-6
Hair, J. F., Black, W. C., Babin, B. J., & Anderson, R. E. (2010). Multivariate Data Analysis. Pearson.
Hanel, P. H., & Vione, K. C. (2016). Do student samples provide an accurate estimate of the general public? PloS One, 11(12), e0168354. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0168354
Harris, B. A., & Woodlock, D. (2019). Digital coercive control: Insights from two landmark domestic violence studies. The British Journal of Criminology, 59(3), 530-550. https://doi.org/10.1093/bjc/azy052
Instituto Nacional contra la Discriminación, la Xenofobia y el Racismo. (2022). Mapa Nacional de Discriminación 2013-2019. https://www.argentina.gob.ar/noticias/el-inadi-presenta-el-nuevo-mapa-nacional-de-la-discriminacion
Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía. (2023). Módulo sobre Ciberacoso (MOCIBA). https://www.inegi.org.mx/programas/mociba/2023/
Kim, B. (2023). A multilevel meta-analysis of cyberstalking: Domains (and subdomains) of contributing factors. Journal of Criminal Justice, 87, 102084. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcrimjus.2023.102084
Kircaburun, K., Jonason, P. K., & Griffiths, M. D. (2018). The Dark Tetrad traits and problematic social media use: The mediating role of cyberbullying and cyberstalking. Personality and Individual Differences, 135(1), 264-269. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2018.07.034
Maple, C., Short, E., & Brown, A. (2011). Cyberstalking in the United Kingdom: An analysis of the ECHO pilot survey. National Centre for Cyberstalking Research: University of Bedfordshire. https://www.academia.edu/33070358/Cyberstalking_in_the_United_Kingdom_an_analysis_of_the_ECHO_Pilot_Survey
Marcum, C. D., Higgins, G. E., & Nicholson, J. (2017). I’m watching you: Cyberstalking behaviors of university students in romantic relationships. American Journal of Criminal Justice, 42, 373-388. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12103-016-9358-2
Meerkerk, G. J., Van Den Eijnden, R. J., Vermulst, A. A., & Garretsen, H. F. (2009). The compulsive internet use scale (CIUS): some psychometric properties. Cyberpsychology and Behavior, 12(1), 1-6. https://doi.org/10.1089/cpb.2008.0181
Melton, H. C. (2000). Stalking: A review of the literature and direction for the future. Criminal Justice Review, 25, 246-262. https://doi.org/10.1177/073401680002500206
Melton, H. C. (2007). Predicting the occurrence of stalking in relationships characterized by domestic violence. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 22, 3-25. https://doi.org/10.1177/0886260506294994
Menard, S. (2002). Short-and Long-Term Consequences of Adolescent Victimization. OJJDP Youth Violence Research Bulletin, February 2002. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED473559.pdf
Muusses, L. D., Finkenauer, C., Kerkhof, P., & Billedo, C. J. (2014). A longitudinal study of the association between compulsive internet use and wellbeing. Computers in Human Behavior, 36, 21-28. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2014.03.035
Navarro, F., Ávila Reyes, N., Tapia-Ladino, M., Cristovão, V. L., Moritz, M. E. W., Narváez Cardona, E., & Bazerman, C. (2016). Panorama histórico y contrastivo de los estudios sobre lectura y escritura en educación superior publicados en América Latina. Revista Signos, 49, 78-99. https://doi.org/10.4067/S0718-09342016000400006
Nobles, M., Reyns B., Fox K., & Fisher B. (2014). Protection against pursuit: A conceptual and empirical comparison of cyberstalking and stalking victimization among a national sample. Justice Quarterly, 31, 986-1014. https://doi.org/10.1080/07418825.2012.723030
Pereira, F., Spitzberg, B. H., & Matos, M. (2016). Cyber-harassment victimization in Portugal: Prevalence, fear and help-seeking among adolescents. Computers in Human Behavior, 62, 136-146. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2016.03.039
Przybylski, A. K., Murayama, K., DeHaan, C. R., & Gladwell, V. (2013). Motivational, emotional, and behavioral correlates of fear of missing out. Computers in Human Behavior, 29(4), 1841-1848. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2013.02.014
Saladino, V., Verrastro, V., & Cannavò, M. (2024). Emotion dysregulation and problematic social media use: the role of need fulfillment and fear of missing out. Current Psychology, 43, 22200–22211. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-024-06005-5
Salguero, J. M., Fernández-Berrocal, P., Ruíz-Aranda, D., & Cabello, R. (2009). Propiedades psicométricas de la versión reducida de la Trait Meta-Mood Scale: TMMS-12. In P. Fernández-Berrocal, N. Extremera, R. Palomera, D. Ruiz-Aranda, J. M. Salguero, & R. Cabello (Coords.), Avances en el estudio de la Inteligencia Emocional (pp. 129-133). Fundación Marcelino Botín.
Salovey, P. Mayer, J. D., Goldman, S. L., Turvey, C., & Palfai, T. P. (1995). Emotional attention, clarity and repair: exploring emotional intelligence using the Trait Meta-Mood Scale. In J.W. Pennebaker (Ed.), Emotion, disclosure, and health (pp. 125-154). APA.
Salovey, P., & Mayer, J.D. (1990). Emotional Intelligence. Imagination, Cognition, and Personality, 9, 185-211. https://doi.org/10.2190/DUGG-P24E-52WK-6CDG
Salovey, P., Stroud, L. R., Woolery, A., & Epel, E. S. (2002). Perceived emotional intelligence, stress reactivity, and symptom reports: Further explorations using the trait meta-mood scale. Psychology and Health, 17(5), 611-627. https://doi.org/10.1080/08870440290025812
Sánchez-Pujalte, L., Gómez Yepes, T., Etchezahar, E., & Navarro Mateu, D. (2023). Teachers at risk: Depressive symptoms, emotional intelligence, and burnout during COVID-19. Frontiers in Public Health, 11, 1-8. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1092839
Sánchez-Pujalte, L., Navarro Mateu, D., Etchezahar, E., & Gómez Yepes, T. (2021). Teachers’ Burnout during COVID-19 Pandemic in Spain: Trait Emotional Intelligence and Socioemotional Competencies. Sustainability, 13(13), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13137259
Sheridan, L. P., & Grant, T. (2007). Is cyberstalking different? Psychology, Crime and Law, 13(6), 627-640. https://doi.org/10.1080/10683160701340528
Silva Santos, I. L., Pimentel, C. E., & Mariano, T. E. (2023). Cyberstalking scale: development and relations with gender, FOMO and social media engagement. Current Psychology, 42, 4802-4810. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-021-01823-3
Smith, A., & Duggan, M. (2020). Digital interaction model: Understanding online behaviors. Advances in Digital Communication, 45(4), 321-335. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adcom.2020.04.001
Smoker, M., & March, E. (2017). Predicting perpetration of intimate partner cyberstalking: Gender and the Dark Tetrad. Computers in Human Behavior, 72, 390-396. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2017.03.012
Spitzberg, B. H., & Hoobler, G. (2002). Cyberstalking and the technologies of interpersonal terrorism. New Media and Society, 4(1), 71-92. https://doi.org/10.1177/14614440222226271
Tallat, F., Saeed, I., & Zia, A. (2024). University students’ internet addiction and cyberstalking: A moderating model of psychological resilience. Online Media & Society, 5(1), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.71016/oms/554xpb07
Taylor, R., Parker, S., & Brown, E. (2022). Emotional regulation in digital spaces: A framework for understanding cyberbullying. Journal of Cyberpsychology, 12(3), 201-215. https://doi.org/10.1089/cyber.2022.0034
Thompson C., & Dennison S. (2008). Defining relational stalking in research: Understanding sample composition in relation to repetition and duration of harassment. Psychiatry, Psychology and Law, 482-499. https://doi.org/10.1080/13218710802389432
Tokunaga, R. S., & Rains, S. A. (2019). Cyberstalking victimization: Impact on mental and physical health, victim blaming, and help-seeking behaviors. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 34(2), 249-269. https://doi.org/10.1177/0886260516634069
Villanueva-Blasco, V. J., Belda-Ferri, L., & Rial-Boubeta, A. (2024). Problematic Internet use and online risk behaviors in adults from Latin America. Behavioral Psychology, 32(3), 487-502. https://doi.org/10.51668/bp.8324304n
Walker, P., & Green, H. (2023). Digital ecosystems: A systems approach to online behavior. Digital Society Research, 9(2), 101-120. https://doi.org/10.1089/dsr.2023.0020
Wilson, C., Sheridan, L., & Garratt-Reed, D. (2021). What is Cyberstalking? A review of measurements. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 37(11-12). https://doi.org:10.1177/0886260520985489
Wolak, J., Finkelhor, D., Mitchell, K. J., & Ybarra, M. L. (2008). Online “predators” and their victims: myths, realities, and implications for prevention and treatment. American Psychologist, 63(2), 111. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066x.63.2.111
Yosep, I., Mardhiyah, A., Kurniawan, K., & Maulana, I. (2024). The relationship between emotional intelligence and bullying in adolescents: A scoping review. OBM Neurobiology, 8(4), 251. https://doi.org/10.21926/obm.neurobiol.2404251
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Ciencias Psicológicas

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.