Deepfake cyberbullying is a modern, particularly harmful form of online harassment that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to create highly realistic but completely fabricated images, videos, or audio of a person — most often to humiliate, embarrass, sexually exploit, or socially isolate the victim. Unlike traditional cyberbullying (mean comments, rumors, or sharing real embarrassing photos), deepfakes create seemingly irrefutable visual "evidence" of events that never happened, making the harm feel more real, permanent, and difficult to disprove. Most Common Forms in Practice The overwhelming majority of reported deepfake cyberbullying cases (especially among teenagers) involve: Non-consensual AI-generated nude or sexually explicit images ("nudify" attacks) — created from innocent photos (e.g., school pictures, social media selfies) Fake videos showing the victim in humiliating, violent, or compromising situations Less commonly: audio deepfakes (fake voice messages) or videos making someone appear to say/do offensive things Here are some illustrative examples of how this kind of abuse is visually represented and discussed in media and educational resources: These images show conceptual representations and real-world reporting styles of deepfake abuse — note that actual explicit deepfakes are never shown publicly for obvious ethical and legal reasons. How Deepfakes Are Created for Harassment (Simplified) Modern tools have made this disturbingly easy — often requiring only a single photo: Here are visual explanations of the typical process: Many free or cheap mobile/web apps can now generate convincing results in minutes, which is why incidents have skyrocketed since late 2023. Why It's So Damaging Realism → People (including friends, family, teachers) often believe it's real at first Permanence & virality → Even after removal, copies keep circulating Severe psychological impact → Victims (especially teenage girls, who are disproportionately targeted) experience shame, anxiety, depression, social isolation, and in extreme cases suicidal thoughts Long-term consequences → Damaged reputation, future relationships, job prospects By late 2025, this has become a recognized crisis in many schools worldwide, with thousands of cases reported (especially AI-generated child sexual abuse material), numerous lawsuits, and new laws being passed in many countries and U.S. states. In short: Deepfake cyberbullying represents one of the darkest real-world applications of accessible generative AI today — turning ordinary photos into weapons of mass humiliation with just a few clicks.

Why do children cyberbully?

Cyberbullying Prevention Tips Cyberbullying involves repeated harmful behavior online, such as harassment, spreading rumors, or sharing embarrassing content. Preventing it requires effort from individuals, parents, educators, and communities. Here are some practical, evidence-based tips drawn from reputable sources like StopBullying.gov, UNICEF, and the Cyberbullying Research Center. Tips for Everyone (Teens and Adults) Be kind and respectful online. Think before posting or commenting—treat others as you want to be treated. Avoid sharing or forwarding hurtful content, as this can amplify bullying. Don't respond to bullies. Ignoring messages can reduce their impact, as responding often encourages more harassment. Block and report abusive users. Use platform tools to block offenders and report violations. Most social media sites have clear reporting processes. Protect your privacy. Adjust settings to limit who can see your posts, use strong passwords, and avoid sharing personal information that could be misused. Document everything. Take screenshots of harmful messages or posts as evidence, in case you need to involve authorities or platforms. Speak up as a bystander. If you see cyberbullying, support the target privately, report it, or encourage them to seek help. Don't like, share, or comment on harmful content. Tips for Teens Talk to a trusted adult (parent, teacher, or counselor) if you're experiencing or witnessing cyberbullying. It's not your fault, and keeping it secret can make it worse. Raise awareness among peers—start discussions, clubs, or campaigns about online kindness. Pause before posting: Ask yourself if something could hurt someone or be taken out of context. Tips for Parents and Caregivers Have open conversations. Regularly discuss online experiences without judgment. Start early and make it ongoing. Monitor activity appropriately (considering age)—know the apps your child uses, check privacy settings, and stay updated on digital trends. Set clear rules for device use and appropriate behavior online. Educate about risks and empathy—teach the harmful effects of cyberbullying and encourage positive digital habits. Model good behavior: Demonstrate respectful online interactions yourself. Get involved in school prevention efforts and know how to report issues to platforms or schools. Tips for Educators and Schools Foster a positive environment with rules against bullying (online and offline). Teach digital citizenship in classrooms, including how to respond as allies or upstanders. Watch for signs and intervene early, supporting both victims and those exhibiting bullying behavior. Preventing cyberbullying works best through education, empathy, and community action. If it's severe, seek professional help or contact authorities. Resources like StopBullying.gov and UNICEF offer more guides and support hotlines.

Visit the iPredator website to download types of cyberstalkers and cyberstalking information, at no cost, by Michael Nuccitelli, Psy.D.

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Cyberchondria refers to a clinical phenomenon in which repeated Internet searches regarding medical information result in excessive concerns about physical health. Cyberchondria is positively associated with symptoms of health anxiety, though it remains unclear as to whether cyberchondria poses a un …

Visit the iPredator online safety website to learn about cyberstalking, cyberbullying, internet trolls & cybercriminal minds at no cost.

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Toxic disinhibition is the negative aspect of the online disinhibition effect, a psychological phenomenon first described by psychologist John Suler in 2004. It refers to the tendency for people to engage in rude, aggressive, hostile, or inappropriate behaviors online that they would typically restrain in face-to-face interactions. This includes actions like: Flaming (harsh criticisms or insults) Cyberbullying Threats Hate speech Swearing These behaviors arise because online environments reduce social inhibitions and consequences. The broader online disinhibition effect has two sides: Benign disinhibition — Positive outcomes, such as greater self-disclosure, sharing personal emotions, or showing kindness to strangers. Toxic disinhibition — The harmful side, leading to antisocial or damaging behavior. Key factors contributing to toxic disinhibition include: Dissociative anonymity — Users feel detached from their real identity ("You don't know me"). Invisibility — Lack of visual cues, reducing empathy. Asynchronicity — Delayed responses, minimizing immediate accountability. Solipsistic introjection — Imagining others in distorted ways. Dissociative imagination — Viewing online actions as unreal or separate from real life. Minimization of authority — Reduced respect for rules or status online. These elements create a sense of lowered accountability and empathy deficit, making toxic behaviors more likely in platforms like social media, forums, comment sections, or online games. Evidence from psychological research, including Suler's original work and subsequent studies, shows that while the effect can foster openness (benign), it often manifests negatively as toxicity, contributing to hostile online environments. The line between benign and toxic can sometimes blur, but toxic disinhibition is widely linked to real-world harms like emotional distress or cyberbullying.

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Typical Profile of Cyberstalkers Cyberstalkers are individuals who use digital tools (e.g., email, social media, messaging apps, GPS tracking, or spyware) to repeatedly harass, monitor, threaten, or intimidate victims. Research shows strong similarities between cyberstalking and traditional offline stalking in terms of offender characteristics, motivations, and dynamics. Demographics Gender: The majority of cyberstalkers are male, often around 80% in reported cases, while victims are predominantly female. This aligns with patterns in offline stalking. Age: Perpetrators tend to be younger adults, with average ages reported around 24 in some police-analyzed cases, though they span various ages, commonly 18-40. Relationship to Victim: Most cyberstalkers are known to the victim, often current or former intimate partners (ex-partners are the most common context). In many cases, about half involve ex-intimates. Strangers or recent online acquaintances account for a smaller portion (around 20-30%). Psychological and Motivational Characteristics Motivations: Common drivers include affection (e.g., unwanted pursuit after rejection), obsession, rejection/response to breakup, revenge, control, or intimidation. Victims often perceive perpetrators as motivated by obsession (around 41%), rejection (43%), or lingering affection (47%). Personality Traits: Many exhibit low self-control, impulsivity, emotional dysregulation, and endorsement of stalking-justifying attitudes. Traits like secondary psychopathy (impulsivity and poor behavioral control) are linked to perpetration, especially in intimate partner cases. Some profiles highlight envy, pathological obsession (sexual or professional), delusions, or a need to instill fear. Other Factors: Unemployment, personal failures, or a desire for power/anonymity online can contribute. Anonymity provided by the internet often emboldens perpetrators, reducing inhibitions compared to offline interactions. Behaviors and Methods Cyberstalkers frequently use social media monitoring, repeated unwanted messages, hacking accounts, location tracking, or spreading false information. Behaviors have shifted toward social media platforms in recent years. While not all cyberstalkers fit a single mold, the profile is remarkably consistent across studies: predominantly male, often a known ex-partner, driven by relational or obsessive motives, and leveraging technology's anonymity for persistent harassment. Recent data (2023-2025) indicate cyberstalking affects millions annually, with increasing use of tracking tech, but offender profiles remain stable compared to earlier research.

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Visit the iPredator online safety website to read about 42 examples of cyberbullying, cyberbullying tactics and types by Dr. Nuccitelli.