Interpreting the Intentions of Internet Predators: An Examination of Online Predatory Behavior

• NCJ Number: 220480
• Journal: Journal of Child Sexual Abuse Volume: 16 Issue: 4 Dated: 2007 Pages: 99-114
• Author(s): Catherine D. Marcum
• Date Published: 2007
• Length: 16 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined three chat room transcripts between adult predators and adult volunteers of the group “Perverted Justice” who posed as children on the internet in order to provide insight on child sexual abuse on the internet.

Abstract

The findings of the study indicated that of the three men whose transcripts were analyzed, all used manipulation to lure their victims; the predators bluntly indicated their sexual intentions to the adolescent females. Only one man vocalized any sort of reservation about his wrongdoing while aggressively attempting to arrange a sexual encounter. The purpose of the study was to provide an understanding of the speed and aggressive nature of online solicitation of minors for sex. Few studies have actually taken place regarding behaviors and characteristics of Internet predators. The study had several limitations that could be improved in later research. It would be beneficial to review the communications between not only female adolescents and male adults, but also combinations of different genders of adolescents and adults as the type of conversations and deceptions techniques may be quite different between two males than between two females. A greater number of case studies should be examined to allow for a better representation of the population of Internet predators. Analysis of the lifestyles and past experiences of these predators would allow for a better understanding of their choices and activities. Perverted Justice (PeeJ) is a civilian watch group that is dedicated to exposing adult predators searching for children in chat rooms. Volunteers for PeeJ enter chat rooms and pose as children ranging in age from 10 to 15 years old and wait for predators to approach them for conversation. PeeJ methods are supported by the Department of Justice as well as local law enforcement agencies. This line of research proves valuable as it exposes tactics used by predators, helps policymakers counter predators with appropriate preventative courses of action, educates the public regarding the manipulation techniques used to lure children on and offline, and helps children understand how to protect themselves. References