online predator, individual who uses the Internet to commit sexual abuse or harassment, specifically of children and of teenagers younger than the legal age of consent. Each day about 500,000 online predators establish contact with and groom victims (that is, build relationships with victims to gain access for the purpose of sexual abuse), who are usually between ages 12 and 15. Social media, which gained momentum in the late 1990s and early 2000s, facilitated online crime by providing users the ability to interact with individuals outside their immediate circle of friends and family. Between 2000 and 2006 law enforcement became ...(100 of 1445 words) Access the full article Help support true facts by becoming a member. Subscribe today!