Online "Predators" and Their Victims: Myths, Realities, and Implications for Prevention and Treatment

Wolak et al. dispel myths of Internet-initiated sex crimes (IISC) by examining the nature of offenders, how technology is used, and the role that solicited juveniles play in the IISC relationship. This paper follows on the CCRC group’s research of the psychological makeup and situational factors of children who are solicited online. Studies referenced are predominantly the CCRC’s YISS 1, YISS 2, and N-JOV. Avenues of approach are suggested for psychologists and other professionals who come into contact with children and adults either engaging in or potentially engaging in adult-minor Internet-based relationships.

Online adolescents generally savvy about the Internet, and experience growing curiosity about sexual issues. Real-world relationships and development are important to consider when viewing vulnerability to predators: F2F peer relationships are where “most youths learn to handle the decisions, emotions, and negotiations of romance and intimacy” (p.115) vs. isolation of most IISC, few “victims” of IISC capable of handling sexual intimacy, “victims” struggle with emotional control, and intense romantic relationships associated with negative outcomes (risky behaviors, etc.). Certain youth may be particularly vulnerable to IISCs. Youth participating in IISCs have correlations with abuse, childhood trauma, rule-breaking behaviors, depression, and social interaction problems.

General disclosure of personal information does not increase risk. However, it may in certain contexts, in combination with predispositions mentioned above. In other words, Internet use alone is not a risk, but mediates risk posed by other factors of IISC victims: “…the Internet may be a mode of risk transmission rather than a creator of risk” (p.117).

Certain online interactions are particularly problematic, and offer increased risk of disclosure of personal information, which receive “aggressive sexual solicitations” in response (Mitchell, Finkelhor, & Wolak, 2007b), which are not necessarily from IISC predators but fit the general dynamics of these crimes. Chats (synchronous text-based communication) may attract both online child molesters and are more likely to attract problematic teens (p.116). The authors warn about making any conclusions thus far with the sparse literature on online disclosure of personal information. The Internet may make youths more available to be contacted one-on-one by molesters, and may mediate effects (such as increasing the rate of intimacy developing, or the isolation of intended victims) but more research needs to be conducted (p.121). The authors suggest the Internet may have features that protect youths from victimization, for example, a delay in moving from online to F2F interaction (p.121).

SNSs have not increased incidents of IISCs. Ybarra & Mitchell (in press) found a greater likelihood of solicitation through chats and AIM than through SNSs. However, risky behaviors increased likelihood of online victimization. Females and gay males are more vulnerable to IISCs. Offline child molesters are a relatively diverse group, however, online child molesters are generally not pedophiles (see relatively high age of victims), because young children are less accessible, more supervised, and less likely to respond to online overtures of a sexual nature. Generally IISC predators are attracted to adolescents (see epheophile and hebephilia defs on first para of p.119). Online molesters may pursue sex with adolescents because they seek responsiveness from the sexually naïve, want to relive adolescent experiences, are fearful of adult relationships, or desire power (Nuñez, 2003).

Online child molesters are rarely violent (5% in S-JOV), and abduction (unwilling) is rare. They generally take time to gain trust of victims. Child pornography and exhibitionism may play a role in IISCs that may be different from offline predators. The small range of lit supports a view that it is used for sexual fantasy, enhance masturbation, and groom and seduce victims” (p.120). Online child molesters commonly (39%) possessed child porn and sometimes (20%) take pictures of victims or coerce victims to take pictures of themselves. These problems were organized into three categories: possession, distribution, and production.

Research remains inconclusive on if the Internet will increase the number of sex crimes against minors. Generally, the number of sex crimes against youth has not increased, and in fact are on the decline (p.121). It is possible that offenders from other areas have migrated to the Internet, resulting in a reduction in offline victimizations. However, eventually an increase in online sex crimes may emerge, as a delay from this migration.

Several theories exist about why the Internet, combined with a child molester’s psychology, may produce interactive effects. Child porn encountered online may evoke suppressed sexual interests, anonymity combined with a high degree of arousal may be a catalyst for increased activity, and use of sexual materials may be compulsive. The authors describe these as, “…plausible hypotheses, but it is not clear how applicable or generalized these mechanisms might be” (p.120).

The authors then describe implications for prevention and public policy, specifically: use appropriate wordage to describe IISCs, be clear about why sex with underage adolescents is wrong, focus on prevention efforts more than parents, focus prevention on adolescents’ developing sexual interests and autonomy, focus more on interactive effects of the Internet, target prevention based on at-risk populations, and assess based on aggregate patterns of risky behavior (p.122-123). Treatment options are proposed, however, “there is little information about specific treatment strategies for victims of statutory rape or IISCs” (p.123) so discussion is limited and exploratory.

Four directions are suggested for future research: monitoring the dynamics of online sexual behavior involving youths (to keep track of the impact of new technologies), learn more through qualitative and quantitative studies about developing IISC behavior (are IISC offenders using new methods of seducing adolescents?), learn more about what factors increase risk of victimization (characteristics, prior experiences, and attitudes), and the effects of policy changes.