| Recently we had a situation in our family where a professional online predator coerced a family member into a situation where the predator was able to try to extort them. It was what is becoming, unfortunately, a classic bait and switch situation. It shook my person to their core for being stupid and for trusting. It was a reminder for all of us that predators are out there. They always have been but the internet, smart phones and general accessibility have increased so prolifically and so rapidly that it seems like it is at a significantly higher level than ever before. But is it really? Are online predators really different from old west snake oil sellers? I mean, maybe. And maybe the damage now seems worse. It is personal. It is private. But the thoughts are the same. I always find myself asking the same question, what if those criminals put their talents to good use? What if hackers, manipulators, etc. took their God-given talents and figured out how to influence people for the good. It’s really an absurd question because they wouldn’t make money. And that is truly the motivation. Make money no matter the human cost. Also a story as old as civilization. As long as there are people, and some of those people are charming, then there are people that get taken. I don’t really have a lesson or a moral. Just be careful. Be skeptical online. And please, keep your vulnerable family members–kids, elderly, yourself if you are gullible– off social media. It is FULL of predators. |
