Online Social Networks and Exploitation
by Sarah Born, DNP
Sexual exploitation refers to the various crimes and activities involving manipulation or sexual abuse of individuals for monetary or nonmonetary benefit of another individual (Office of Juvenile Justice, n.d.). Victims of sexual exploitation are subjected to physical, emotional, and psychological harm. In many cases, the exploiter will coerce or demand sexual services of a victim by threatening or blackmailing them (UN Refugee Agency, 2024). Nowadays, with the rise in use and dependence on technology, a great amount of exploitation occurs across online social networks. Online social networks have made sexual exploitation very easy due to anonymity and ease of access. Many victims of youth exploitation are individuals under the age of 18, thus making it illegal in the United States (US Department of Justice, 2023).
In today's interconnected world, society and social networks play pivotal roles in human interactions and relationships. Today relationships not only exist with face-to-face encounters but also among individuals online. Social networks serve as platforms (e.g., social media and gaming) for people to connect, communicate, play games, and share information. These social networks are not only used by the adult population but also by youth of all ages. Young individuals are society’s most well-versed users of social networks; they are also the most vulnerable to tactics used by exploiters and traffickers online. It is very easy for an individual to hide who they truly are online, making it hard to know if someone is genuine or manipulative (Office of Children and Family Services, n.d.).
The tactic that many exploiters and traffickers use to coerce individuals online is called grooming (Thorn, 2022). These perpetrators have the skill to manipulate young individuals, tap into their vulnerabilities, and probe them for something they are yearning for. In many cases, victims yearn for love, attention, and acceptance. Children in the foster care system are among those at greatest risk for such manipulation (Office of Children and Family Services, n.d.). Factors that contribute to online grooming include minimal legislation on how online platforms should be run and how policies are enforced, lack of awareness and education, vulnerability, and inadequate parental oversight (Holt et al., 2020). According to Siripurapu and Merrow (2021), while social media platforms in the United States have predominantly been responsible for creating and enforcing their own policies, several other countries have either introduced or suggested legislation to compel social media companies to take greater responsibility in regulating the use of these platforms. Many online platforms have a minimum age requirement for usage, but many minors lie about their age to get access.
The online world is hard to police because the technology is ever-changing and advancing. Moreover, the investigation of such crimes necessitates enhanced training for law enforcement, yet, many agencies are understaffed and insufficiently funded. Child exploitation material (CEM) (as termed in Australia and known as Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) in the U.S.) cases are one of the most investigated cybercrimes nowadays. In recent years the amount of CEM content on social platforms has significantly increased; there is an endless supply. Since social networks do not mandate consent for individuals to post content, and users can easily hide their identities, law enforcement face increased challenges to address such issues (Holt et al., 2020). The impact of such factors was exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic: people were isolated and having to work and learn remotely, contributing to an all-time high in online usage. Amongst the usage volumes were both adults and children. According to Salter et al. (2023), monitoring children was not a priority, making it easy for exploiters and traffickers to access younger individuals. Additionally, Salter et al. (2023), mention that the pandemic presented a unique challenge to child protection responses. In addition, children had minimal to no contact with mandatory reporters, such as educators. With this being said, online child exploitation numbers increased (Salter et al., 2023). Efforts from the government, law enforcement, and online platform policy personnel are needed to better manage this sad and horrible issue in addition to raising awareness about exploitation risks. The internet presents numerous positive opportunities yet harbors much negativity (bullying, slander, unrealistic standards).
References
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investigative methods to combat online child exploitation material offenses. Aggression
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Office of Children and Family Services, (n.d). Social media and exploitation.
https://ocfs.ny.gov/programs/youth/online-safety/exploitation.php.
Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, (n.d.). Sexual exploitation of children.
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/programs/sexual-exploitation-children.
Salter, M., Woodlock, D., & Wong, T. (2023). The sexual politics of technology industry responses
to online child sexual exploitation during COVID-19: "This pernicious elitism". Child
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https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106559
Siripurapu, A. and Merrow, W. (2021). Social media and online speech: How should countries
regulate tech giants?. Council on Foreign Relations.
https://www.jstor.org/stable/resrep31160.
Thorn (2022). Online grooming: Exaining risky encounters amid everyday digital socialization.
https://info.thorn.org/hubfs/Research/2022_Online_Grooming_Report.pdf.
UN Refugee Agency, 2024. Defining sexual exploitation and abuse and sexual harassment.
US Department of Justice (2023). Citizens guide to U.S. federal law on child sex trafficking.
https://www.justice.gov/criminal/criminal-ceos/citizens-guide-us-federal-law-child-sex-trafficking.
