Online Predators: Traits and Behaviors and Ways to Prevent Them From Unfolding
Do you know how to spot an online predator?
Cyber predators are masters of disguising themselves on the Internet. They have spent much time studying online behavior and can easily blend in amongst different populations. There are, however, some warning signs that could indicate that a person has predatory inclinations, such as constant agreement, pressure to meet, trying to turn their victims against others, and asking a lot of personal questions.
In this Discussion, you will analyze a case study and identify those traits and behaviors that are warning signs of an online predator. You will also offer strategies to prevent the behavior cycle of an online predator from unfolding.
Identify the behavioral characteristics that might indicate that an online contact could possess predatory inclinations.
Identify 3–5 strategies that could help prevent the cycle of a cyber predator from unfolding. Consider the perspective of each of the players in the vignette.
Discussion: Who are your Cyber Friends, Really?
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The case study chosen for this discussion entails the Maryland man convicted for cyber-stalking his ex-girlfriend. Court documents indicated that Derik Wayne Bowers intimidated and harassed his ex-girlfriend via Facebook, text messages, and phone calls. For example, Bowers used social media posts to embarrass his former girlfriend (United States Department of Justice, 2023). Psychological research identifies personality attributes and traits of cyber criminality or trolling, especially narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathic behaviors (Withers, 2019). Bowers displayed a narcissistic personality because he focused predominantly on himself without being considerate about the impact of his actions on his former girlfriend's mental well-being. He demonstrated Machiavellianism via his callous, insincere, and manipulative behaviors in bullying his ex-girlfriend. Bowers also demonstrated psychopathic traits because he sent thousands of text messages within months, demonstrating his affective shallowness, lack of remorse, and empathy for others. These traits are central to identifying an online bully or predator.
Based on the case scenario, some behavioral traits indicati...