Trusted And Experienced
Maryland Client Advocates Since 1950

Aggressive online communication can cause legal issues

The internet age has revolutionized the way that companies do business and the way that people interact with one another. Social media has made it incredibly easy to connect with people all over the world with the click of a button. You can remain in contact with old friends and extended family members, no matter how far away from you they actually live.

Unfortunately, while online communication has made it easier to maintain long-distance friendships and relationships, it has also made it easier for people to harass or stalk one another. The fact that you don’t have to make eye contact with someone when communicating online may make it easier for you to say something that could cause you legal issues in the future.

Harassing someone online could be a form of stalking

When people have multiple social media pages, it makes it much easier to stay in touch with them. However, it can also lead to questionable behaviors, like cyberstalking or digital bullying. Some people handle the inappropriate behaviors of others online well, while others can feel immense emotional pain or fear over a hostile digital encounter.

Choosing to constantly approach someone online, even after they block you, could be a major mistake. Well you might just be trying to be friendly or engaging in a practical joke, they may not see it the same way. Repeatedly creating false accounts to send threatening or harassing messages to someone could be grounds for charges of stalking or cyberbullying in the future, especially if the target is a minor.

Making online threats isn’t as harmless as some people think

Many people think that they can say anything to another person online with no repercussions. While it is true that many platforms allow for uncensored communication, that does not mean there will be no consequences for the things you say online.

Threatening bodily harm to a person or their family members online may seem like a joke in a rapidly escalating digital argument. However, if the other person believes the threat is credible, it could be grounds for criminal charges or a restraining order.

The hyperbolic and aggressive language people use online could easily make someone fear for their life, which could result in potential legal actions against you, including criminal charges in some cases.

A little bit of care and how you communicate online can go a long way. Try to apply the Golden Rule and don’t do things to someone that you would find annoying or abusive. Another good standard is to only say things online that you would also say to someone’s face. Following those rules can reduce the risk of facing criminal charges for aggressive online behavior.

Categories

Archives