Every breath you take: An examination of the natural phenomenon of stalking

Authors

Gordon A. Crews, The University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyFollow
Sara K. Green
Paige A. Heinrich

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

9-17-2014

Abstract

Everyone is a potential stalker, given the right set of circumstances. There are a vast number of tools readily available—from social media networking to easily accessible websites that provide background checks for a minimal fee—that allow individuals to observe the life (or lives) of whomever they so desire. But what are the innate, essential traits and characteristics of an individual that extends beyond the more normative expression of romantic interest and the general curiosity that is a natural and accepted occurrence for anyone who has ever been infatuated with another? This paper will consider the intentionality and motivation behind stalking, including cyber-stalking, as well as the general obsessive behavior that acts as a proclivity toward stalking and ultimately conclude that everyone is a potential stalker and, further, that we as a society are being conditioned by the media—particularly social media—to accept stalking as a natural phenomenon.

Comments

The conference brochure for the Southern Criminal Justice Association, Clear Water Beach, Florida. September 17-20, 2014 is available at http://www.scja.net/2014SCJAprogram.pdf.

© the authors. All rights reserved.

Recommended Citation

Crews, G. A., Green, S. K., & Heinrich, P. A. (2014, September 17). Every breath you take: An examination of the natural phenomenon of stalking. 2014 Southern Criminal Justice Association, Clear Water Beach, Florida.