Online Romance Scams: Perceptions on the Risks of Victimisation of LGBTQ+ Individuals on Dating Apps
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25159/2412-8457/17195Keywords:
LGBTQ+, stigmatisation, dating apps, online dating, victimisationAbstract
With the growth of technology, cybercriminals have their opportunity to target victims online. Although online dating platforms offer LGBTQ+ individuals a means to connect, they also expose users to significant risks such as fraud, assault, and other forms of victimisation. People of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) communities are no exception to this online victimisation. Although it is known that LGBTQ+ community members are frequently the target of online victimisation, little information is available on this matter related to the use of dating sites in South Africa, specifically. This study therefore explored how LGBTQ+ individuals perceive the risks of victimisation when using dating sites. The research objectives included: to identify the types of cybercrimes that occur on dating sites against LGBTQ+ people; to understand the views of LGBTQ+ individuals in using dating sites; and to examine LGBTQ+ individuals’ awareness of the occurrence and prevention of victimisation against LGBTQ+ people on dating sites. Employing a qualitative methodology and exploratory case-study research design, the study recruited five participants who identify as LGBTQ+ individuals and reside in South Africa to share their perceptions on dating sites used by LGBTQ+ individuals. The semi-structured interviews yielded rich data and saturation was soon reached. These transcribed interviews were thematically analysed to identify the multiple risks that members of the LGBTQ+ communities face while engaging on dating sites and social media platforms. Additionally, it was found that perpetual stigmatisation of the LGBTQ+ community has led to the innate need for love, acceptance, and connection, which can lead to engagement in potentially risky situations for the chance at fulfilling this need. No member of a socially just society should face victimisation in the pursuit of connection, be it intimate or platonic connection. These findings highlight, once more, the need for social inclusion to be at the forefront of societal collective consciousness. The authors believe that this lack of social inclusion could be addressed through inter-group contact and accurate media representation of members of the LGBTQ+ community to achieve familiarisation and acceptance between differing groups in society.
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