337: What if they delighted in your misery?
This Is Actually Happening
Deep Dive
Why did the cyber-stalking group target Patrick Tomlinson?
They targeted him after he tweeted that he didn't find comedian Norm Macdonald funny, which was picked up by a subreddit community known for weaponizing their followers to harass and destroy lives. They saw an opportunity to attack someone criticizing Norm Macdonald, who was defending controversial figures like Roseanne Barr.
What tactics did the cyber-stalking group use against Patrick Tomlinson?
They used a variety of tactics, including mass false reporting to suspend his social media accounts, impersonation accounts to spread defamatory content, doxing his personal information, and orchestrating fake one-star reviews on platforms like Amazon and Goodreads. They also escalated to physical stalking, vandalism, and swatting, making fake emergency calls to police to provoke violent responses.
How did the cyber-stalking group impact Patrick Tomlinson's career?
They targeted his books with fake one-star reviews, spreading lies about their content to damage his reputation and sales. They also impersonated him to attack his professional network, including female authors and agents, further harming his career.
What was the most dangerous escalation by the cyber-stalking group?
The most dangerous escalation was the swatting incidents, where they made fake emergency calls to police, including one claiming Patrick had murdered his wife. These calls led to police showing up with guns drawn, putting his life in immediate danger.
How did the cyber-stalking group affect Patrick Tomlinson's personal life?
They isolated him by attacking his friends and family, forcing some to distance themselves for safety. They also targeted businesses he frequented, leaving fake negative reviews and making harassing calls, making it difficult for him to maintain normal social interactions.
What role did Section 230 play in Patrick Tomlinson's legal struggles?
Section 230, a law shielding online platforms from user-generated content, was misapplied to protect the website hosting the cyber-stalking group. This prevented Patrick from suing the site to identify the stalkers, as the court ruled their privacy outweighed his safety.
How has the cyber-stalking group's behavior been compared to larger societal issues?
Patrick compares their tactics to those used by authoritarians and disinformation campaigns, noting their use of lies, gaslighting, and targeted harassment mirrors larger-scale attacks on governments and societies. Their actions, while focused on him, reflect a broader problem of online harassment and manipulation.
- Patrick's father was a rodeo rider and later an electrician.
- Patrick's rural upbringing in Westfield was quiet and cloistered.
- He excelled in college after a challenging high school experience.
- He moved to Tampa and later back to Wisconsin.
- His first marriage ended due to infidelity.
- He found success as a sci-fi author and developed a large social media following.
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