Manipulation

Psychological manipulation is a type of social influence that uses indirect, deceptive and unscrupulous tactics to change the behavior or perception of other people. Skilled manipulators play on emotions to control and influence others.

Exploitation

The use of the internet exposes young people to potential encounters with predators who use social media platforms and chat rooms to identify and lure victims.

Victimization

Young people are particularly vulnerable to coercion and are disproportionately targeted by online predators. Aggressive sexual solicitation, exposure to unwanted sexual material and harassment are just a few of the ways that young people are victimized online.

Disinformation

Disinformation is false or misleading information that is spread deliberately to deceive. This includes propaganda spread by foreign governments and non-state actors who use unwitting social media consumers to sow the seeds of distrust and discord.

Misinformation

This differs from disinformation in that it is inaccurate or false information that the originator believes to be true or it is opinion that is disguised as fact. The acceptance and dissemination of misinformation is often fueled by cognitive biases.

Radicalization

Research has shown that radicalization is driven by a desire to be relevant and respected. Social Media platforms are a breeding ground for hate and extremist ideology that give false power to disaffected individuals.

THE BEST DEFENSE IS EDUCATION

Together, we can increase awareness about the motives, methods and risks of manipulation and abuse online. We can empower young people to be smart social media consumers.