Digital abuse is an especially insidious form of abuse that is becoming more common. It can be subtle and difficult to identify. Essentially, digital abuse is any form of stalking, harassment, intimidation, bullying, or exertion of control that happens in cyberspace. It may also occur alongside incidents of financial, sexual, or domestic abuse.
Abusers can technically use any internet-connected device to carry out digital abuse, including a phone, computer, or smart devices in your home. One prevalent form of digital abuse is cyberbullying, which is most common among teenagers and young adults. Over 50% of teens have experienced cyberbullying in some form.
Another group that can be vulnerable to digital abuse is seniors. Senior citizens may have problems navigating the digital world, and unscrupulous individuals may use that to their advantage. This is especially pertinent because teaching seniors to use smartphones can help improve their quality of life.