Protecting Youth from Dangerous Media: Online Predators

Abstract

Sexual exploitation of adolescents has been a long-standing moral and legal challenge. Recent technological developments such as Social Networking Sites have expanded the potential risk for exploitation, as the increased autonomy and privacy presented by the digital revolution aids adolescents' attempt to fulfill their sexual curiosities, build relationships, and seek sensation. Online offenders also take advantage of the functions provided by the Social Networking Sites as they allow offenders to exploit adolescents by sampling potential victims and contacting them directly. As a result, online sexual exploitation through Social Networking Sites involves a dynamic interaction between victims and offenders. It is necessary to investigate both the factors associated with adolescents' vulnerability as well as typologies of offenders. As one victim's experience of sexual solicitation will differ from other victims, it is impossible and even detrimental to adopt a universal legal response to such cases. The chapter proposes legal reform that considers the offender–victim dynamics in addition to preventive measures.