In a world hyper-focused on banning apps and blaming screens, this session uncovers the true battleground: human psychology. Using real-world examples, cinematic storytelling, and live interactive demonstrations, we’ll expose how predators don’t force their way in—they’re invited, one message at a time. Attendees will walk through the subtle levers of influence groomers use—reciprocity, authority, social proof, and more—and learn how these tactics bypass logic and go straight for the heart. This session blends personal narrative, research-backed insight, and OSINT tools to help professionals spot the invisible patterns before it’s too late. If we want to protect the vulnerable, we must stop fighting tech—and start fighting smarter.
Learning Objectives:
Describe the psychological levers commonly used by online predators to manipulate and groom children across digital platforms.
Demonstrate how fear-based assumptions can mislead investigations and shift focus away from the root causes of online exploitation.
Employ open-source intelligence (OSINT) techniques to proactively identify risks and verify online identities in grooming cases.