The internet is often likened to a vast network of interconnected highways, carrying information in various forms such as text, images, videos, and more. It provides access to an immense repository of knowledge and entertainment, functioning essentially like a colossal digital library. Cyberspace, on the other hand, represents the virtual realm within the internet where digital interactions occur. While it lacks physical existence, cyberspace facilitates communication through mediums like email, social media, and video calls. Additionally, it serves as a platform for activities such as online shopping, gaming, and virtual events. In essence, the internet forms the infrastructure that connects people globally, while cyberspace is the dynamic environment where digital interactions and activities unfold. 

The internet, while a powerful and valuable tool, can also be misused and exploited by people with malicious intentions. Here are some ways it can be used to harm others:

1. Cyberbullying: Some individuals use the internet to harass, threaten, or spread rumors about others. They might do this through social media, messaging apps, or online forums. Cyberbullying can be very hurtful and damaging to the victim's emotional well-being.

2. Scams and Fraud: Criminals on the internet might create fake websites or send misleading emails to trick people into giving away their personal information, such as passwords or credit card details. They might also pretend to be someone else, like a friend or a bank representative, to gain trust and deceive people.

3. Identity Theft: This occurs when someone steals personal information from others online, like their name, address, or social security number. They can then use this stolen information to commit crimes or make unauthorized purchases, leaving the victim in financial and legal trouble.

4. Cyberstalking: Some people use the internet to track and harass others, invading their privacy and making them feel unsafe. They might follow their victims' online activities, send threatening messages, or even show up uninvited at their real-life locations.

5. Distribution of Harmful Content: The internet can be used to spread harmful and inappropriate content, such as violent or explicit materials. This can negatively impact individuals, especially children, who may accidentally come across such content.

6. Cyber Attacks: Hackers may attempt to break into computer systems, networks, or websites to steal sensitive information or disrupt services. This can lead to data breaches, financial loss, and disruption of essential services.

7. Online Grooming: Predators may use the internet to target and manipulate vulnerable individuals, especially minors, into forming inappropriate relationships or engaging in harmful activities.

Groomers are individuals who use manipulative tactics to build relationships with others online, especially with children and young people. Here are some ways they might try to do that:

1. Pretending to be someone else: Groomers often pretend to be someone the target would trust, like a friendly peer, a mentor, or even a potential romantic interest. They create fake online profiles and use false identities to gain the trust of their victims.

2. Flattery and kindness: Groomers use compliments, gifts, and friendly messages to make their targets feel special and appreciated. They might act nice and understanding, making it easier for the victim to trust them.

3. Listening and support: Groomers are skilled at listening to their targets' problems and offering emotional support. They pretend to be caring and sympathetic, making the victim feel like they have someone who understands and cares about them.

4. Sharing common interests: Groomers often learn about their target's hobbies, interests, and favorite activities. Then, they pretend to share those interests, making the victim feel like they've found a like-minded friend.

5. Isolating the victim: Groomers try to create a sense of secrecy and exclusivity in their relationship with the victim. They might convince the target not to talk about their conversations with anyone else, including their parents or friends. This isolation makes it easier for the groomer to maintain control over the victim.

6. Pushing boundaries: Groomers gradually push the boundaries of the relationship, starting with innocent conversations and then slowly introducing more inappropriate or sexual topics. They try to desensitize the victim to such discussions, making it seem normal or okay.

7. Manipulation and threats: Groomers can use blackmail or threats to control their victims. They might exploit personal information the victim shared earlier, like embarrassing photos or secrets, to manipulate them into doing what the groomer wants.

Groomers and exploiters use various online technologies to interact with and manipulate their targets. Here are some of the common technologies they may employ:

1. Social Media: Groomers often use social media platforms to create fake profiles and reach out to potential victims. They can send messages, friend requests, and comments to initiate contact and start building a relationship.

2. Messaging Apps: Groomers may move conversations from public platforms to private messaging apps. These apps allow for more private and direct communication, making it easier for the groomer to manipulate and control their target.

3. Online Chat Rooms and Forums: Groomers can use chat rooms and forums where people discuss various topics of interest. They may join these spaces to find vulnerable individuals to groom and exploit.

4. Video Calls: Some groomers may use video calls to further develop a sense of trust and intimacy with their targets. They might engage in conversations that could be inappropriate or harmful.

5. File Sharing and Sending: Groomers might send files, pictures, or videos to their targets, which could contain inappropriate or harmful content. This is a way to manipulate and control them by leveraging personal information or explicit material.

6. Location Services: In some cases, groomers may try to access location information through apps or websites to know where their targets are or where they live. This can be used to intimidate or threaten them.

7. Fake Websites and Scams: Groomers might create fake websites or use fraudulent schemes to deceive their targets into sharing personal information or money. They can pretend to be someone else or offer fake opportunities to gain trust.

8. Phishing Emails: Groomers can send deceptive emails that appear legitimate, tricking the recipient into revealing sensitive information like passwords or credit card details.

 Understanding the complexities of online dangers such as Predatory Internet Grooming© (PIG) requires a nuanced examination of various perspectives, values, prejudices, and attitudes that shape our perception of reality. By exploring multiple articles on the subject, we can uncover the multifaceted nature of this issue, recognize key indicators of predatory behavior, and gain insights into how to report and seek help.

PIG refers to the deliberate actions of individuals who use online platforms to establish relationships with minors for the purpose of exploitation, often for sexual or abusive purposes. It exploits the vulnerabilities of young individuals who may be inexperienced or naive about the risks associated with online interactions. Understanding the nuances of this phenomenon requires a deep dive into various articles and studies that shed light on its different aspects.

One perspective to consider is the psychological aspect of grooming. Many articles delve into the tactics used by predators to manipulate and deceive their victims, such as building trust, emotional manipulation, and gradual desensitization to inappropriate behavior. By understanding these tactics, we can recognize red flags and potential indicators of grooming behavior, such as excessive compliments, secrecy, and requests for personal information or inappropriate photos.

Another important perspective is the technological aspect of internet grooming. With the rapid advancement of technology, predators have increasingly sophisticated tools at their disposal to target and groom victims. Articles may discuss the use of social media, messaging apps, online gaming platforms, and other digital spaces where young people congregate. Understanding the digital landscape and the potential risks associated with different online platforms is crucial for both parents and young individuals.

Furthermore, exploring societal attitudes and cultural norms surrounding online interactions can provide valuable insights into why internet grooming persists and how it can be addressed. Articles may examine issues such as victim blaming, stigma surrounding discussions of online safety, and challenges in reporting and prosecuting online predators. By confronting these attitudes and biases, we can work towards creating a safer online environment for everyone.

In terms of practical steps, articles may offer guidance on how to report suspicious behavior to authorities or relevant organizations, as well as resources for victims seeking support and assistance. This could include helplines, online forums, and counseling services tailored to the needs of individuals affected by internet grooming.

Overall, by critically examining multiple articles and perspectives on predatory internet grooming, we can deepen our understanding of this complex issue, recognize its indicators, and take proactive steps to combat it. This process underscores the importance of acknowledging and confronting the various ideologies, theories, and biases that shape our understanding of online safety and interpersonal relationships.

• Only about 15% of parents know what their children are doing online.
• More than 500,000 predators attempt to contact children daily online. 
• The targeted children ages are 12-15. 
• Male children are easier to connect with, manipulate, blackmail, and rarely report.      Predators are banking on males not to report. 
• FBI issues a warning in February 2023, about a global financial sextortion crisis with an increase of boys under the age of 18. 
• 14.1% of cases feature children in multiple age categories. The younger the victim, the      more severe the abuse was likely to be (based on reported cases)
• 84.2% of videos and images contained severe abuse. 
• When possible, gender was determined, about 93% of offenders were male and 7% female (RAINN).
• 56.2% of cases depicted were prepubescent children, 25.4% were pubescent children, and 4.3 were very young children (Infants and toddlers). (ECPAT) 
• A 172% increase in the volume of shared CSAM produced by generative AI in the first      quarter of 2023. 
• A poll conducted administrators of a closed child predator forum on the dark web, which survey almost 3,000 predators about their use of generative AI:
  • 78% of respondents have or plan to use generative AI for CSAM
  • 22% plan to use the technology. 
  • These predator forums leverage generative AI algorithms to produce sexual images as well as textual descriptions, stories, and narratives. 
• Nearly 20% of young gamers ages 10-17 [are] exposed to white supremacist ideologies in      the context of online multiplayer games. The Complete Trust & Safety Solution for Gaming - ActiveFence 
• The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children identifies over 100 million      reports of suspected child sexual exploitation, nearly all related to images and videos of children that are circulating on the internet, some      even live streamed.
• How Many Predators are Online Each Day? [Online Predators Statistics] (legal jobs.io)
  • 66.7% of online predators’ victims are female (based on reported cases).  31.1% are male, and 2.2% are transgender or gender fluid. Similarly, 77% of offenders target 14-year-olds or older, while 22% target 10–13-year-olds.
  • Children aged 16 to 17 were 62.5% commonly targeted for online grooming. Other online sex offenses they experienced include:
    • Image-based sexual abuse (60%)
    • Sextortion (59.1%)
    • Online child sexual abuse (58.1%)
    • Self-produced child sexual abuse images (55.1%)
  • 68.97% of tweens and 90.73% of teens encountered sexual content online. 
  • Only 7% of parents knew their child received inappropriate content from adults. 
  • Internet usage among 3-to 4-year-olds dramatically doubled within five years. 
  • Online predator reports increased by 106% early in the COVID-19 pandemic. 
  • Threats from strangers to children online concern 58% of U.S. parents. 
  • 40% of children from grades four to eight experience online chatting with strangers. 
  • 1 in 5 children reported that an online predator contacted them. 
  • 53% of offenders were family members. 
  • Over 80% of child sex crimes arise from social media. 
  • As children are more exposed online, online predators have taken over the Internet.       In 2021, grooming cases against girls accounted for 82% of cases. 38% of offenses used Meta-owned platforms, with groomers preferring Snapchat for communication.
  • At 34%, sexual conversations or role-playing are the most common grooming methods. Other grooming methods include catfishing, building trust with emotional support, and giving money.