WoW-Playing Teenager Invited By Sus 33-Y.O. Online Friend To Meet Him 2000 Miles Away, Mom Says No As It's Obviously Grooming

This online friend invited the teenager to his apartment for a meal.

May

• Published in Interesting
• March 31, 2024

Youngsters who are active online are always at risk of encountering predators online. The sad reality is that anyone can become a groomer.

Moreover, the process of grooming can unfold over some time, ranging from weeks to even years. Additionally, groomers might deliberately cultivate relationships with the young person's circle, such as family or friends, in order to appear reliable or influential.

Kids and teens can fall victim to grooming either online, offline, or a combination of both, whether it's by a stranger or someone familiar. This could be anyone from a family member or friend to someone who holds a position of trust, like a teacher, religious leader, or coach.

When grooming occurs online, perpetrators often conceal their true identity by sharing images or videos of other individuals. They might even use pictures of someone younger to appear more relatable. Sometimes, they focus on one child, while other times they reach out to multiple children rapidly, patiently waiting for any response.

A post from the AmItheButtface subreddit is a clear example of what grooming is. The original poster (OP) is a mother whose son asked permission from her to meet a 33-year-old online friend he met in World of Warcraft.

The OP's family lives in California. And this "friend" is asking her son to travel all the way to Chicago during the weekend.

Naturally, the OP said "no," and wonders if she's the buttface for not allowing her teenage son to meet the guy.

The OP wanted to judged after she didn't allow her son to meet a certain online friend.

The OP's son got into WoW. And that's where he met a guy who's twice his age.

Just like any responsible parent, the OP didn't allow her son from going.

Her son kept insisting, but the OP still refused.

Redditors are all on the OP's side as it's pretty obvious that this "online friend" is grooming him.

The OP needs to show the reality of this situation.

This can be done by presenting stories appropriate for his age. She needs to open her son's eyes that this guy is not a friend, but a groomer.

Technology is so advanced that the guy can easily manipulate what the OP's son can see on Zoom.

The reality is that nobody is invincible — not even 16-year-old guys — when the predator has this all planned out.

The story of John Wayne Gacy is heavy on a teenager, but this is the reality of the situation.

There is absolutely no reason for a 33-year-old guy to meet with a 16-year-old teenager.

It's clear what this guy wants. He wants the teen to travel far away, where he cannot get any help from his parents, friends, and loved ones.

Every word uttered and action taken by this online friend strongly suggests that he is engaging in grooming behavior toward the teenager. And the OP protecting her teenager doesn't make her the buttface at all.

It's time for the OP to warn her son. We hope the youngster listens to her and even cuts contact with the guy.

May