Unmasking Abuse in the Digital Age – A Targeted Individual’s Guide to the Terminology of Targeted Harassment

What happens when technology becomes a weapon? How do you defend yourself against invisible enemies who lurk in the digital shadows? Welcome to episode five of Dire-Rie of a Sane Black Woman, where I dive deep into the terminology that defines my experience as a targeted individual.

The digital age has created new avenues for harassment that transcend physical boundaries. From gaslighting to DARVO (Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim and Offender), from cyber stalking to smear campaigns, these tactics work together to isolate, intimidate, and destabilize. I break down how perpetrators use spyware, GPS tracking, and even coordinate with others to create comprehensive surveillance networks that seem inescapable. Understanding these terms isn't just academic—it's essential for those experiencing similar situations and those trying to comprehend what targeted individuals endure.

My personal experiences illuminate how these tactics manifest in daily life—strangers parking outside my home, strategic placement of trigger objects in shared spaces, manipulation of social media algorithms, and coordinated efforts to damage my reputation wherever I go. The psychological toll is immense, yet our legal and support systems remain woefully unprepared to address these sophisticated forms of abuse. Despite this, documentation and speaking out become acts of resistance, reclaiming narrative power from those who seek to control it.

Whether you're experiencing similar targeting or simply trying to understand this phenomenon, this episode provides a foundation for recognizing these patterns. Knowledge is power, and naming these invisible weapons is the first step toward dismantling them. Listen, learn, and share—because awareness is how we begin to create the solutions our modern world desperately needs.

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