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How Social Media Fuels Human Trafficking: A Growing Threat in the Digital Age

Child Trafficking, COVID-19, Exploitation, Human Traffickers, Human Trafficking, Online Safety, Sex Trafficking

Ashden Brooke Robinson: undergraduate student: B.S. majoring in Criminal Justice, University of Missouri-Saint Louis (UMSL); Gateway Human Trafficking Intern. Edited and updated by Eryn Borders.

Note: This article was originally written by Ashden Brooke Robinson and has been updated and expanded by Eryn Borders to reflect new developments and data in 2024.

Social media has revolutionized how we communicate, but it has also become a tool for traffickers to exploit vulnerable individuals. Alarming statistics reveal the extent of this threat, particularly to our youth. In 2020, 65% of underage victims in active criminal sex trafficking cases who were recruited online were lured through Facebook, with 14% recruited via Instagram and 8% through Snapchat (Human Trafficking Institute, 2021). These figures highlight the pressing need to address the role of social media in modern human trafficking.

The Tactics of Traffickers: Catfishing and Beyond

One of the most common methods traffickers use to manipulate victims is catfishing—posing as someone else to gain trust. Social media’s anonymity allows traffickers to present themselves as peers, mentors, or romantic interests. Youth, often less experienced in identifying fake profiles, are especially at risk. A young person who believes they are chatting with a peer might unknowingly be interacting with someone twice their age, intent on exploitation (Polaris Project, 2018).

Beyond young people, adults are also targeted through social media platforms. Traffickers often use encrypted messaging apps and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin to hide their activities. Additionally, the dark web serves as a marketplace where traffickers buy and sell victims, making detection and intervention difficult (Polaris Project, n.d.).

Why Are Young People So Vulnerable?

Human traffickers target youth because of their emotional and developmental vulnerabilities. Adolescents often struggle to differentiate between genuine and deceptive interactions online. Traffickers exploit this by creating fake personas that seem trustworthy or relatable. During the COVID-19 pandemic, increased screen time among children and teens provided traffickers with more opportunities to groom and manipulate victims (National Center for Missing & Exploited Children [NCMEC], 2021).

Emerging threats, such as sextortion, have become particularly alarming. In these cases, traffickers coerce victims into sharing explicit content under the threat of exposure or harm. This tactic traps victims in cycles of fear and compliance, making it harder for them to seek help (NCMEC, 2023).

Emerging Platforms and Technologies: New Frontiers for Traffickers

Social media trends continue to evolve, and traffickers are quick to adapt. Platforms like TikTok, Discord, and messaging apps such as WhatsApp have become new avenues for exploitation. Unlike traditional platforms, these apps often emphasize real-time interaction—such as live streaming—and ephemeral content, including posts, messages, or media that disappear after a certain amount of time. These features provide traffickers with innovative ways to target and manipulate victims (Polaris Project, n.d.).

Adding to the challenge is the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and deepfake technologies, which enable traffickers to create convincing fake personas, photos, or videos. These advancements make it increasingly difficult for victims to discern reality from deception, complicating efforts to identify and stop exploitation (NCMEC, 2023).

Combatting the Threat: How Parents and Guardians Can Help

In an increasingly digital world, monitoring a young person’s online activity has never been more critical. Open communication between parents/guardians and youth is a cornerstone of prevention. Here’s how you can help protect young people from online recruitment:

  • Foster Trust: Build a relationship where young people feel comfortable discussing their online experiences without fear of punishment or judgment. Reassure them that you are there to support and protect them.
  • Teach Online Safety: Educate young people about recognizing fake profiles, avoiding oversharing personal information, and understanding the dangers of interacting with strangers online.
  • Discuss Boundaries: Teach young people to set healthy boundaries in their online interactions and to question anything that feels uncomfortable or suspicious. Encourage them to share those “gut feelings” with you and honor their trust by managing your emotions to provide the support and reassurance they need.
  • Monitor and Engage: Regularly check-in with young people about their online activity, review their privacy settings, and encourage open conversations about their online interactions. Be transparent about your actions in monitoring their online activity and explain the reasons behind them. This approach not only encourages honesty in your relationship but also can also help model healthy boundary-setting behaviors.

By empowering youth with knowledge and fostering open communication, parents/guardians can play a crucial role in reducing a young person’s vulnerability to traffickers.

Staying Ahead of Emerging Threats

Recent data from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) underscores the urgency of staying informed about new trends in trafficking. In 2023, NCMEC’s CyberTipline received over 36 million reports, with the majority related to child sexual abuse material. Cases of sextortion and the misuse of AI for exploitation are also rising at an alarming rate, revealing the evolving tactics traffickers use to target victims (NCMEC, 2023).

To address these challenges, community-wide education is crucial. The Polaris Project emphasizes the importance of public awareness campaigns, law enforcement training, and online safety workshops as vital steps in combating this pervasive issue (Polaris Project, 2018). By working together to educate ourselves and others, we can create a network of vigilance and support that disrupts trafficking networks and protects vulnerable individuals.

Combatting human trafficking in the digital age requires collective action—awareness, collaboration, and proactive measures. Social media should serve as a platform for connection and empowerment, not exploitation. By equipping our youth with the tools to recognize danger, fostering open communication, and promoting digital safety, we can create a safer online environment. Together, we can foster secure spaces both online and offline.

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