Identity manipulation in online grooming: Gendered strategies among male suspects

Abstract

Deception plays a crucial role in online grooming (OG). Identity manipulation, such as misrepresenting age or gender, is common due to the lack of face-to-face cues in online environments, which makes detection difficult for minors. This study aims to enhance understanding of identity manipulation in OG, focusing on differences related to the victim's gender. We analyzed 249 OG cases from Spanish law enforcement records between 2008 and 2021, involving 112 male suspects and 227 victims. Differences in grooming strategies and offender goals were examined, comparing cases with real identities to those involving identity manipulation. Analyses were conducted separately by victim gender. Identity deception, especially age deception, was more frequent in cases with male victims. Gender-based deception showed no overall significant differences by victim gender, except for revenge-driven cases against female victims, where suspects often posed as female. Posing as female was strongly linked to grooming behaviors: with male victims, it correlated with sexual conversations, image requests, reciprocal image exchanges, and offering sexual images; with female victims, it was mainly associated with threats. Age deception was uncommon when suspects aimed to meet victims in person but was prevalent in sexual conversations or role play for both genders, and more frequent in revenge cases involving female victims. Among female victims, age deception was linked to threats, while for male victims, it was associated with initiating reciprocal image xchanges and fostering exclusivity, but less with requesting or offering sexual images. The study reveals gender-specific patterns in the use of identity manipulation during OG.