In today's digital age, the power of suggestion and influence from powerful figures hold massive weight in shaping societal behavior. The issue of online stalking, once seen as mere bullying, has now evolved into a more severe form: stalking.
Lillee Jean's Project Bullyish film brings this pressing matter to the forefront, highlighting the negative influence of powerful figures and the importance of addressing cyberstalking. Documenting her own experiences, of being stalked from the age of 15 years old onwards, Jean hopes to shed important information about the truth of what goes on digitally.
Personal Story: The Impact of Online Stalking
Imagine feeling constantly watched, monitored, and harassed online by individuals with power and influence. People around you think you're insane, yet when you log on, it's all there. Then, it starts impacting your life IN PERSON. Your friends, your family, they all end up being harassed, and losing things themselves.
This is the harsh reality that many individuals face in the age of social media. The Power of suggestion can sway people into doing the wrong things, especially when it comes from authoritative figures.
First hand I have seen nurses, doctors, and paralegals, engage in a group called "The Lillee Jean Clone Cult" against me in nefarious schemes and plots to take me down.
As someone who has experienced online stalking firsthand, I can attest to the extreme effects it can have on one's mental and emotional well-being. Let alone the impacts it can have in person.
If someone with great power either financially, or with a notable career says "it's okay", why not everyone else join in? This ideology is a beacon for children to engage, and for others to no longer act with decorum but with outrageous plans and schemes.
The Rise of Cyberstalking: A New Age Threat
Cyberstalking goes beyond traditional bullying and enters the realm of criminal behavior. It involves the persistent harassment, monitoring, and intimidation of individuals online, often by individuals in positions of power. The anonymity and reach of the internet have made cyberstalking a prevalent issue that requires immediate attention and action.
In today's day and age, it's way too easy for somebody to create a movement. It's too easy for somebody to create fake accounts to harass a person, and far too easy for deep fakes to spread. It might seem like a little inch to even discuss this topic, but I feel it is something people are trying to shelter. A dirty secret.
The truth is, when I was 15 1/2 years old, I never expected "a takedown" of me. I was green to content farms, to PR companies being hired for campaigns like this, and so was my family. I was a teenager, just trying to make my way in this world, and it all stemmed from one Reddit that had disgusting comments on it about sexually hurting me. This is actually in Project: Bullyish film, but it needs to continue to be spoken about because it's horrific what was done to me.
In regards to other articles I have written, the harassers become the victims. This is a typical response documented by several psychology papers. You're never supposed to defend yourself in the "online" world. What they say is judge, jury, and sentencing. I have taken my power back in filing police reports on each instance that occurs to me. I have a crazy amount of active police reports, and the Queens District Attorney involved due to some serious threats against my life, and identity theft. I should have the freedom to be able to grow my business and have a life - but the truth is, the internet breeds an unbalanced amount of people.
Just that one inkling of the power of suggestion makes people do. Monkey see, monkey do. Tying into the online gambling article I wrote, it is very plausible that people are also motivated by money, in order to produce videos, give statements, and even tweet something out. Why? They feel you'll never go after them since legal takes a bit of time, and they think you'll forget the trail of destruction they leave behind.
Project Bullyish: Shining a Light on the Issue
Project Bullyish is a groundbreaking initiative that sheds light on the dark reality of online stalking. By sharing real-life stories and experiences, the project aims to raise awareness about the harmful effects of cyberstalking and empower individuals to speak out against such behavior.
The entire film was recorded two years prior, however, the impact it has now is very vital. The first account experiences that I detail throughout the entire movie, and actually film filing reports, bring into perspective how these types of stalkers can impact your life and safety.
It was incredibly hard for me to film the entire movie, because, at the time having masses of anonymous people lying about you, contacting people you know, and having a goal to take you down felt crushing. It also impacted my life financially, mentally, and literally. Each one became "a victim".
By being enabled by online platforms, that narrative spread. The issue for them? I have the police reports. I have the proof of death threats. I have the proof of identity theft, and people on my property. They do not.
Through powerful storytelling and advocacy, Project Bullyish serves as a beacon of hope for those who have been affected by online stalking.
Taking a Stand Against Cyberstalking
Individuals, organizations, and policymakers need to come together to address the issue of cyberstalking effectively.
While there are laws against stalking, bullying, harassment, and identity theft, education, awareness, and advocacy are key components in combating this growing threat and ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals in the digital space.
It's important for the harassers to not have a platform, and for better policies to be put in place, so that when the victim is being attacked, so brutally, there are options to rectify situations.
Uniting Against Online Stalking
In a world where online interactions shape our daily lives, the prevalence of cyberstalking poses a significant threat to our safety and well-being.
Project Bullyish by Lillee Jean brings much-needed attention to this pressing issue, emphasizing the importance of standing up against online stalking and supporting those who have been affected.
My film won an award, at Humro Cinema, and was screened. I intend to for a limited time make the film public so people to absorb and understand the reality of the dark side of the Internet.
It is a very hard film to stomach there is a graphic warning on it because I did not sugarcoat or hide anything of what's been done to me
Let us unite in the fight against online stalking and advocate for a safer and more respectful digital world for all individuals of all walks of life!
BY LILLEE JEAN TRUEMAN
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