Journal Entry 12: How does cyber technology impact interactions between offenders and victims?

Cyber technology has the potential to greatly impact interactions between offenders and victims. Online communication is one of the most apparent ways that cyber technology influences these interactions. Offenders can engage with their victims using many online platforms such as social media and games, without disclosing their true identity. Advances in technology have made instant worldwide communication possible. With this advancement in technology, cybercriminals have also been allowed to commit crimes online while doing so remotely.

Cyber technology enables new forms of criminal behavior, such as cyberstalking, cyberbullying, and identity theft. For example, an offender can use digital platforms to harass or intimidate their victim, creating a sense of fear and anxiety. Popular video games like Roblox and Fortnite are accessible to people of all ages. Even though most individuals playing these games are children, there are still instances of much older individuals engaging in these games specifically for younger audiences. This presents the opportunity for criminal activity, as the older individual can lie and manipulate the child into thinking they are the same age. This is seen very often online, as predators use the Internet to conceal themselves and find suitable targets online.

Aside from the negatives that cyber technology comes with, there are also positives associated with it that can impact the interaction between offenders and victims. Victims can utilize cyber technology to protect themselves by blocking or reporting criminals and restricting access to personal information through privacy settings. Also, law enforcement organizations use technology to locate and convict offenders, such as forensic examination of digital devices, online activity monitoring, and partnership with tech companies to discover and remove illegal information. Furthermore, technology can be used to prevent crime and raise awareness of the risks associated with cyber interactions. Education initiatives can teach people how to stay safe online, recognize signs of child grooming, and protect their personal information from theft or exploitation.

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