Have you ever heard of technological abuse? Tech abuse can be considered a form of digital emotional abuse. Let's find out why.
If you're in an abusive relationship, whether it's romantic, familial, or with someone else, it's crucial to understand that abuse can extend into the digital realm. This is often referred to as digital emotional abuse, and it can be just as damaging as other forms of abuse.
What is Digital Emotional Abuse?
Digital emotional abuse, sometimes called tech abuse, involves using technology to harm, manipulate, control, or intimidate someone emotionally. It can take many forms, and it often happens behind closed digital doors, making it difficult to detect. Here are some examples that might hit close to home.
Here are 4 examples of Tech Abuse:
Cyberbullying: If your partner or someone you know is sending you hurtful or threatening messages through texts, social media, or email, this is a form of digital emotional abuse.
Online Harassment: Constantly receiving abusive or offensive comments or messages on your social media profiles or in online forums can cause significant emotional distress.
Digital Control: If someone is using technology to control your actions online, like monitoring your activities on your phone or social media or demanding access to your accounts, this is a red flag.
Revenge Porn: Sharing intimate images or videos of you without your consent, often as a means of humiliation or coercion, is a severe form of tech abuse.
Checking your digital activities: it is also technological abuse, if a partner, a friend or a family member controls what you do in your digital environment by checking your phone when you leave it around, checking your friends or activity on social media, and telling you who you should be friend with.
Recognising Digital Emotional Abuse
Recognising digital emotional abuse can be challenging because it's often hidden behind screens. However, there are some signs to watch out for:
Feeling Fearful: If you're afraid of how someone might react to what you do online or if you feel constantly monitored, it's a sign that something is wrong.
Emotional Distress: Tech abuse can lead to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. If you're experiencing these emotions because of digital interactions, it's a serious matter.
Invasive Behavior: If someone is demanding access to your devices, accounts, or personal information, that's a boundary violation.
What to Do if You're Facing Digital Emotional Abuse
Reach Out for Support: Talk to someone you trust about what you're experiencing. It could be a friend, family member, or a counselor. You don't have to go through this alone.
Document the Abuse: Keep records of abusive messages, emails, or any evidence of tech abuse. This documentation can be crucial if you decide to involve the authorities.
Limit Contact: If you feel unsafe, consider blocking the abuser on social media and changing your online profiles' privacy settings.
Seek Legal Help: Depending on the severity of the abuse, you may want to consult with a legal professional, especially if you believe your safety or personal information is at risk.
Digital emotional abuse is a real and harmful form of abuse that can have profound emotional and psychological effects on victims. If you suspect that you or someone you know is experiencing tech abuse, please remember that you don't have to endure it alone. Reach out for support, document the abuse, and take steps to protect your well-being.
Your safety and emotional health are paramount, both online and offline.
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