Post by Cat on May 25, 2018 19:11:27 GMT -5
What is a Predator?
A predator is one who fabricates an identity to build a seemingly real relationship with their victim. They may borrow photos from social media (typically of the opposite sex), or use devices that can alter their voice on audio media platforms. Predators utilize these tools to convince their victims that their fabricated persona is in fact real. Some predators may lure victims for financial gain, while others seek sexual contact, which may be digital or real. All Predators want to manipulate their targets. A Predator will aggressively solicit real information from their victim, which may include photos and videos (which may be even be sexually explicit), social media platforms, phone numbers, and job, work, and home locations. All the while, they provide little to no real information about themselves. These individuals will often avoid interaction via video or phone call and will come up with excuses why they cannot do so.
What are the signs of predatory behavior?
- Love bombing - declaring their love for you quickly, pushing the relationship to develop as fast as possible, and pressuring you to commit to them exclusively.
- Pedestaling - to make a victim feel special they may compliment you constantly, or compare you constantly to others. Predators will often target victims with low self esteem to ensure maximum efficiency with pedestaling.
- Forced exchange - pressure to exchange personal information by first providing information about themselves, in an effort to make you feel obligated to share in return.
- Information gathering - collecting personal information about you in order to build a profile, and get close to you. This will be used as a manipulation tool, and to doxx you, especially if they know your real name, and social media platforms.
- Secrecy - pressure towards a victim to hide their relationship with the predator. This includes not telling your friends or family about meetups and what have you.
- Sexual gains - predators will project their own fantasies or make sexual comments towards a victim. If a victim doesn't engage, the predator may demand that you respond or manipulate you into doing so. These sexual gains may include graphic photos or videos and sexting.
- Gaslighting - the victim will become submissive, no longer acting on their own or pursuing their own interests. They will at this point become dependent on the predator for their identity and purpose. Ultimately it hinders the victim's ability to respond to circumstances in a way the predator does not want them to, leaving them highly dependent, or even depressed.
- Manipulation - if a predator feels that they are losing you, they will do anything to try to force you to stay. This can includes threats directly to the victim, their friends or family, or they may threaten suicide or to harm themselves. These are done to make a victim feel responsible if they do leave.
If someone is exhibiting one or two of these signs, that does not directly mean they are a predator. You need to determine a pattern of intent before claiming a prospective victim.