The internet has been around for quite some time, opening the door to things like blogs, online recipes, videos, social media, and websites. Many see the internet as a useful tool. However, it can also be used for dangerous purposes.
With the creation of social media came new risks of exploitation. Given the easy access to chatting with other people online, there quickly became a way to use that access against others, known as sextortion. It’s important to be aware of the risks surrounding sextortion and the precautions you can take against it.
What is sextortion?
The term sextortion comes from the words “sexual extortion” put together. Sextortion occurs when abusers threaten another person with their intimate or explicit photos in attempt to either gain more or get money from the person they are targeting. “Unfortunately, children are often the targets of sextortionists. The FBI warns of a dramatic increase in children being threatened to share explicit imagines online, with boys ages 14-17 as the most common targets” (Wilcock).
In the majority of cases, victims of sextortion are led to believe that the person they were communicating with was someone their age. Of course, this lie can be easily dispelled once an investigation is launched. Unfortunately, most of the victims of sextortion are too young to know how to properly handle a sextortion situation. They are too afraid and ashamed to tell a trusted adult, causing the abuse and exploitation to continue over a period of time. In some cases, it becomes so extreme that the victim will take their own life in fear of, or in response to, any explicit pictures or videos being leaked to the public.
In most cases, complying with what the perpetrator is asking of you, specifically financially, will only make the situation worse. “For 64% of victims who complied with threats, the demands did not stop. In fact, 68% reported an increase in threats after complying” (Wilcock). This makes victims feel stuck and like they have no choice but to continue to comply.
Sextortion is a sickening and heartbreaking occurrence that targets innocent young people every day.
Where does sextortion usually happen?
There are quite a few apps where sextortion usually takes place. They consist of:
- Social media (Instagram, WhatsApp, Facebook, etc.)
- Discord
- Online chatrooms
- Gaming chatrooms
- Gaming voice chats
Gaming is one main outlet that is used to target younger players. In most popular video games, such as Call of Duty, Minecraft, or Fortnite, chatting with other online players is an option. While some are typing messages to other players, games like Fortnite have an option to join up with other players for a game, allowing you to play with random people in your queue and even chat with them over a voice chat during the game.
This is where the danger tends to happen. Sextortionists tend to pose as a younger person in order to establish trust with the victim. They play more games with them and eventually exchange handles for other chatting apps, typically Discord. “Sexual predators and other bad actors have found an easy access point into the lives of young people: they are meeting them online through multiplayer video games and chat apps, making virtual connections right in their victims’ homes” (Bowles).
It’s important to remain safe in the virtual world. Be aware and don’t give out any personal information or imagery.
How can I avoid sextortion?
Avoiding sextortion can be as simple as following basic internet safety rules. There are a few steps you can take to protect yourself, such as:
- Not communicating with strangers online
- Avoiding online chatrooms with people you don’t know
- Making your social media accounts private
- Not responding to unknown messages or message requests
- Avoiding taking and sharing any explicit photos or videos of yourself
- Be on the lookout for suspicious behavior in those around you
These steps may seem easy from the outside, but we know that there can be more to it than following simple steps. If you don’t want to make your social media account private, be mindful of the messages you are receiving!
Be aware of the intentions of others around you. “In 59% of sextortion cases, the victim knew the perpetrator in person and had a relationship with them when images were shared” (Wilcock). Make sure you are surrounded by people that you can trust wholeheartedly. Be attentive to what people may say or what they may ask of you. You are under no obligation to give or send them anything!
What should I do if I’m being targeted by a sextortionist?
If you are experiencing sextortion, it’s important to tell someone right away. Don’t focus solely on whatever shame or embarrassment you may be feeling. First and foremost, speaking up about your situation and getting help is the biggest step you can take. Next, report the person who is targeting you on whatever platform they are using and alert the authorities. Sextortion doesn’t have to be your reality. There is a way out!
How can I heal from a sextortion experience?
First off, it’s important to remember that what happened was not your fault. The shame and embarrassment can feel crippling, but it is possible to find freedom. Talk with someone you trust who will be there to listen and support you. You never have to feel ashamed for being targeted against your will. You are valued and loved, and no experience can change that fact!
How We Can Help
If you need a safe space to talk about your experiences, or find yourself needing pregnancy or STD testing, we are here to help you. Schedule your safe and confidential appointment by clicking here, calling us at (530)-272-6800, or texting us at (530)-802-0858.
Sources and Links
Bowles, Nellie. Video Games and Online Chats are ‘Hunting Grounds’ for Sexual Predators. The New York Times. 2019.
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/12/07/us/video-games-child-sex-abuse.html
Wilcock, Morgan. What is Sextortion? Everything You Need to Know. Gabb. 2024.
https://gabb.com/blog/sextortion-meaning/
Cathy Seapy
CEO
The content on this page has been reviewed and approved by our CEO.
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