FBI, DESPP host social media safety info session at Fairfield University
Experts say they have been battling new threats of "nihilistic violent extremism" and online exploitation, particularly seen through video games, as well as social apps.
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The FBI, local law enforcement and DESPP are getting the word out about just how dangerous social media can be Tuesday at an information session at Fairfield University.
Experts say they have been battling new threats of "nihilistic violent extremism" and online exploitation, particularly seen through video games, as well as social apps.
They say users are being blackmailed or convinced to commit acts of self-harm.
"If an individual is consuming violent content, some of the research out there is showing that one of the best things that you can do is talk to them about manipulation,” said Evan Allard, director of the Connecticut Intelligence Center. “As opposed to saying, 'Why are you finding this? Why are you looking at this?' confrontationally, talk to them about how they're being manipulated."
Allard says the most popular sites where they are seeing threats include Roblox, TikTok, Reddit and Instagram.
