You can do the following: It is possible to stay online – BisnisUpdate.com

Lennon Torres received her first iPhone at the age of 13 and eagerly downloaded social media apps such as Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat to connect with her peers. Despite competing on a reality show and later guest-starring on Dance Moms, Torres received both support and threats online due to her transgender identity and open sexuality. She received messages from queer youth and strangers, some of whom pressured her to explore her identity on gay chat sites. Despite her parents’ acceptance, Torres felt disconnected from the LGBTQ+ community, which led her to join a chat site by falsely claiming she was 18. This decision exposed her to sexual exploitation by adult men who pressured her to perform sex acts on camera.

Torres eventually stopped visiting chat sites when she started dating at age 15. She now works as a campaign and community manager for the Heat Initiative to combat child sexual abuse online. Torres’ experience is not unique, as many teens befriend strangers online, share explicit images and form deep bonds with people they have never met in person. This trend has grown over the years, with predators taking advantage of vulnerable young people online.

The issue of online grooming and exploitation has escalated, with reports of children being enticed into sexual acts online significantly increasing. Social media platforms play a key role in facilitating these relationships, with teens often underestimating or accepting the dangers as part of their online lives. Some teens consider sharing nude photos and engaging in online relationships with adults as normal, leading to incidents of sexual abuse made possible by social media.

The changing landscape of online relationships has left many teens feeling isolated and anxious and turning to the internet for validation and connection. However, the online world can also be a source of exclusion, bullying and performative social bonds. Making and maintaining friendships in this environment can be challenging, especially as using devices distracts from face-to-face communication.

Efforts to address these challenges include wellness programs such as RADical Hope, which aim to help young adults build resilience and strengthen their connections. The program emphasizes face-to-face communication and active listening exercises to combat the widespread fear and anxiety of ‘social shark attacks’ that can arise from online interactions.