NCJ Number
223053
Journal
International Journal of Cyber Criminology Volume: 1 Issue: 2 Dated: 2007 Pages: 228-248
Date Published
2007
Length
21 pages
Annotation
This article reports on the methodology and findings of an online research project designed to test various factors likely to entice sexually oriented contacts in the course of youths' participation in online social network sites, through which users share information about themselves.
Abstract
The study found that the strongest variables that increased contacts, including suspicious contacts, with fictionalized underage children online were the inclusion of photographs and e-mail addresses. This finding held true regardless of whether the fictionalized child was portrayed as lonely and in need of companionship or happy in interaction with family and friends. Apparently, ease of access (e-mail) and an attractive photograph were the factors that induced contacts, both suspicious contacts and socially acceptable contacts. Only one of the three online social-network Web sites contacted rejected the personal postings as a violation of child-protection policies. These findings show the feasibility of using fictionalized user identities in the analysis of the dynamics of "triggers" for predators as they prowl the Internet for potential victims. The research involved the creation of fictional identities of four female underage children who were posted on three network sites and later introduced to relay chat forums. The intent of this strategy was to explore whether the presentation of vulnerable characteristics would elicit more predatory responses. Two basic identities were created online: a young girl portrayed as needy, lonely, and looking for companionship, and a young girl portrayed as happy and involved with family and friends. 4 tables and 47 references