Catfishing & Weird Pedophiles

Nicole: Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you for joining us today for this important discussion about the negative aspects of social media use. We have a fantastic group here of some bright young girls and their mothers. Let's begin by acknowledging that social media can be a wonderful tool for connecting, learning, and sharing, but it also comes with some risks that we need to be aware of.

Noel: Nicole, can you tell us a bit about your own experiences with the internet and the challenges you've faced?

Nicole: Of course. When I was your age, my parents didn't know much about computers, so I had to learn about the internet on my own. I quickly realized that not everything online is safe. I heard stories from friends about catfishing and even encountering people with bad intentions, like weird pedophiles. Catfishing is when someone pretends to be someone they're not to deceive others online. Pedophilia refers to adults with inappropriate interests in children, and it's a grave concern. It can be really scary because these actions can harm you emotionally and even physically.

Serita: That sounds scary. How did you learn to protect yourself online?

Nicole: Well, I became very cautious. I started by not sharing personal information online, like my full name, address, or phone number. And I never agreed to meet anyone I only knew from the internet in person. It's essential to be skeptical and ask questions if something doesn't seem right.
 
Serita: Can you tell us signs of catfishing and how to recognize them?
 
Nicole: Absolutely, Serita. Signs of catfishing can include someone refusing to share photos, having very few friends or followers, being extremely vague about their personal life, or being overly eager to meet in person. If something doesn't feel right, trust your instincts and talk to a trusted adult about it.


America: And what about pedophiles or online predators? How can we spot them?
 
Nicole: Great question, America. Online predators can use fake profiles and try to gain your trust by pretending to be someone your age. They may ask personal questions or try to pressure you into sharing inappropriate pictures, such as nudes or images where you're in compromising positions that you would not want to be public. They might even ask you inappropriate questions...questions that might make you feel uncomfortable, squeamish, gross or even dirty. Be wary of anyone who is too interested in your personal life or asks for inappropriate content.

Gloria: That's great advice, Nicole. But how can we help our daughters stay safe online?

Nicole: That's an excellent question. It's crucial to have open and honest conversations with your daughters about their online activities. Encourage them to talk to you if they ever feel uncomfortable or encounter something that doesn't seem right. Also, set boundaries and rules about screen time and social media usage, and make sure you're familiar with the platforms they use.

Denitra: What about privacy?

Nicole: Privacy is a big concern in the digital age. We leave a digital footprint every time we use the internet. It's essential to teach your daughters about privacy settings on social media platforms and the importance of not sharing too much personal information. Encourage them to think before they post and consider how their online actions may affect their future.

Serita: Nicole, you mentioned your work before. How has your career influenced your views on this topic?

Nicole: My work as a User Experience (UX) researcher has given me insight into how technology and social media can impact people's lives. I've seen both the positive and negative effects. It's made me even more aware of the need to educate and empower young people to make responsible choices online. Technology can be a powerful tool for good, but it's essential to use it wisely.
 
Denitra: I'm a "to do list" kind of a person. Would you please give us like a checklist of actions we can take to protect ourselves online?
 
Nicole: Excellent question, Denitra. Here are some actions you can take to protect yourselves:
 

1. Privacy Settings: Learn how to adjust privacy settings on social media platforms to control who can see your information.
2. Don't Share Personal Info: Never share personal information like your full name, address, phone number, or school online.
3. Think Before You Post: Always think before you post anything online. Consider how it might affect your reputation or safety.
4. Trust Your Instincts: If something or someone online makes you uncomfortable, trust your instincts and tell a trusted adult.
5. Open Communication: Keep open communication with your parents or guardians about your online activities. Don't be afraid to talk to them if you encounter something troubling.

 
Denitra: Got it! Thank you, Nicole. This information is really valuable. I'll definitely be more cautious online now.

Noel: Wow, thanks, Nicole. This has been really eye-opening. I'm going to be more careful online too.

Nicole: You're welcome! Remember, it's all about staying informed, being cautious, and having open conversations with your parents. If you ever have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to support you.