Cyber trauma: An overview

The personal computer and the internet are ubiquitous in the 21^st century leading to inter-computer communication across the globe. This has created a virtual world in cyberspace that can be accessed by anyone with access to the internet. This has made exchange of vast amount of information and entertainment almost instantaneous. People across all ages use the internet for a vast array of activities related to academics, work, banking, shopping and entertainment. The internet has a dark side spawned by various types of cyber-crimes that have the potential to seriously traumatize the victims. Malicious and vicious attacks on individuals, often sustained over a period of time, lead to ‘cyber-trauma’. Trauma reactions of victims include anxiety, sadness, low self-esteem and disturbed interpersonal relationships. It is important for mental health professionals to be aware of this source of trauma in order to prevent victimization as well as to provide efective interventions to victims of cyber-crimes.