maedeh movaghari; Hossein Aghababaei
Abstract
The influence of media on individuals, a pivotal factor, has witnessed heightened prominence in the age of new media, particularly in the digital realm. Children and teenagers, especially ...
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The influence of media on individuals, a pivotal factor, has witnessed heightened prominence in the age of new media, particularly in the digital realm. Children and teenagers, especially active in online spaces, are significantly shaped by media, underscoring their potential vulnerability to its impact. The advantages and educational benefits offered by new media and cyberspace to children and adolescents come with a considerable risk of victimization — ranging from general safety concerns to the specific threat of sexual victimization. As a preventative measure, the policy of content restriction (filtering) has been implemented to reduce these risks. The crucial research question lies in the role of cyberspace and the policy of content restriction in relation to the sexual victimization of children. The findings reveal a significant relationship between the media and sexual victimization, underscoring the facilitative and instrumental role of the media. While the filtering policy aims to counter or reduce the negative effects of media, the research highlights how it has paradoxically exacerbated sexual victimization of children and adolescents due to technical inefficiencies, misleading data exchange paths, neutralizing techniques, and the emergence of VPNs. Extended Abstract:The expanding reach of new media has become an integral aspect of life for both children and teenagers, offering a wealth of opportunities for learning, recreation, and communication. Alongside these advantages, new media also presents significant risks, with the most substantial danger being sexual victimization. The objective of filtering policies is to shield this demographic from inappropriate content and sexual dangers and threats, but these policies exhibit a dual role. This research investigates whether filtering policies have achieved their intended goals or inadvertently intensified the susceptibility of children and adolescents to sexual victimization online. This study aims to critically assess the effectiveness of current filtering policies and offer alternative solutions. Ultimately, the primary objective is to meticulously explore how seemingly conservative measures may actually intensify the very issues they were designed to address, specifically in this case, the increased vulnerability of children and adolescents to various forms of cybercrime. To delve into the matter at hand, a descriptive-analytical approach has been adopted, wherein scientific texts and articles related to the topic have been scrutinized, focusing on the examination of qualitative data pertaining to the sexual victimization of children and adolescents in the digital realm, as well as the role played by the filtering policy.IntroductionMedia possesses a fundamental influence on shaping individuals’ thoughts and behaviors, and with the emergence and expanding presence of new media, especially in terms of vast data and information exchange through the internet and cyberspace, the role of media has become increasingly significant and encompassing. Young children and adolescents, as primary users of media, particularly those who are active in virtual spaces, are naturally susceptible to the influence of the media. While new media and cyberspace offer a wide range of benefits and valuable educational experiences to children and teenagers, the specter of general victimization and in particular, sexual victimization, casts a dark shadow over these digital highways. Cyberspace, with its unique features, has unfortunately evolved into a platform for a plethora of sexual offenses against children and adolescents. This risk spectrum encompasses serious offenses like sexual abuse, the sharing of pornographic content, creating fake user profiles, and receiving and exploiting intimate images. This is particularly concerning for children and adolescents since they are more exposed to these dangers due to the extensive use of cyberspace. To address these risks, policies aimed at restricting access have been implemented. However, this approach has actually led to an increase in VPN usage, which has not only failed to reduce victimization but has also heightened the risk of sexual victimization.Materials and MethodsThe current research employs a descriptive-analytical approach. Initially, through a review of relevant texts and scientific articles, this work examines the subject of sexual victimization of children and adolescents online. Subsequently, data sources are selected, and qualitative materials are obtained and analyzed. Its objective is to detect patterns, trends, and factors associated with sexual victimization of children and adolescents online. Furthermore, the study scrutinizes the role of policies designed to restrict access in this context.Discussion and ResultsThe conclusions of this research indicate that while cyberspace undoubtedly offers benefits, it also poses significant risks to children and adolescents, necessitating preventive and educational measures. Despite the noble intentions behind current filtering policies, it has been demonstrated that they have not been effective in reducing the rate of sexual victimization of children and adolescents. Conversely, restrictions on access often prompt individuals to turn to other websites or platforms, which may not be subject to regulation or monitoring. Consequently, these individuals become exposed to even greater risks. The prevalence of VPNs and proxy servers has made it considerably easier to bypass filters and access prohibited content. This fact underscores the necessity of a comprehensive strategy, as merely relying on filtering mechanisms alone is insufficient to effectively address this critical issue. It has also been observed that many children and even adults are not adequately informed about the risks associated with cyberspace and how to adequately protect themselves. Consequently, uninformed users become easy prey for abusers, despite the presence of filtering measures. This research highlights the complex interplay between social networks and various negative consequences, such as social isolation, sexual abuse, and relationships with the opposite sex. It is noted that simply relying on filtering solutions is not sufficient; rather, it is crucial to promote proper education and awareness about the use of virtual networks and media literacy. Crucially, this study also accentuates the accelerating and instrumental role of filtering policies in increasing the vulnerability of children to sexual victimization. This implies that current policies, instead of providing protection, have in fact amplified the risk.ConclusionsThe broad-scale blocking of popular platforms has eroded public trust in policymakers’ decisions, paradoxically leading to increased usage of VPNs, thereby facilitating access to harmful materials. Moreover, excessive filtering not only increases the risk of exposure to inappropriate content but also renders it more difficult to provide accurate and reliable information on sexual matters. In essence, this approach creates a paradox wherein the intended goal of protecting children through filtering measures ultimately results in the opposite outcome. This leads to a situation where individuals turn to unofficial and potentially unreliable sources, thereby reinforcing misconceptions and false beliefs. Contrary to its intended purpose, filtering does not prevent but instead exacerbates cases of sexual victimization among children and adolescents, as it provides both access to inappropriate content and removes valuable education. Therefore, in order to effectively address and reduce sexual victimization among these vulnerable individuals, it is imperative to proactively develop targeted and effective plans. A holistic and multifaceted approach that empowers users and families, coupled with increased media literacy, can be effective in mitigating the risks of this phenomenon. This approach includes educating children, teenagers, and their families on the perils of cyberspace, equipping them with methods and skills to protect themselves. Additionally, comprehensive educational programs should be implemented in schools and families, ensuring that children and adolescents are well-informed about the risks associated with cyberspace and equipped to safeguard themselves against these perils.
