We explain what stalking is, how a stalker behaves, and their possible targets. Also, what a “crush” is and what it means.
What is stalking?
Stalking is a form of technological harassment or espionage, which usually occurs in the new environment of social media and the internet. Generally speaking, this term is used to refer to obsessive, insistent behavior, intent on learning as much as possible about a person (usually a former partner or romantic rival) through their social media accounts, especially those containing personal information: photographs, messages, etc., such as Facebook, Instagram, etc., devoting a great deal of time and attention to this.
People who carry out these actions are often called stalkers, and they may do so for a variety of reasons: from heartbreak, jealousy, or curiosity, to resentment, intimidation, or even the intent to steal the victim’s identity. In some cases, this type of behavior borders on a violation of privacy and can lead to physical or actual harassment. You must read about Crush once.
The term “stalking” is a neologism (a new term in the language) popularized since the rise of social media and 2.0 culture. It was borrowed from the English language (to stalk, which translates as “to harass”), making it also an Anglicism.
Various studies on people’s behavior on the Internet focus on the frequently obsessive behavior or lack of respect for others’ privacy that seems common on these types of virtual networks. This includes stalking celebrities or public figures, but also ordinary individuals, thus giving rise to harmful psychological or emotional habits, if not risky behaviors. You must read about Planisphere once.
What is a “crush”?
Another term commonly used in the dialect of 2.0 culture is to talk about “the crush” or “having a crush.” It is also a loanword from English, where it literally means “to crush, to destroy,” but in some slang or informal usage of the word, it instead translates as “infatuation” or “fixation.”
The term can refer to a sudden, unexpected crush or infatuation, love at first sight. It can also refer to an unattainable, platonic, or distant love. However, it is more associated with an obsessive feeling: an unrealistic fixation, a silent infatuation, sexual tension, or idealized passion for a person, rather than simply a “like” or more manageable amorous or erotic feelings. It is common to have a crush on a celebrity or a public figure such as an actor or artist.
In fact, the notion of “stalking your crush” has become naturalized in the 2.0 world—that is, obsessively snooping or investigating a person for whom you have passionate, often unconfessed or fanciful feelings.
