Preying on Children: The Emerging Psychology of Pedophiles

Overview

Crisis of Child Abuse Images: There is a growing crisis in the proliferation of child sex abuse images online, primarily due to the inability of tech platforms and law enforcement to keep up.
Understanding Pedophilia: There's less awareness about the psychological roots of pedophilia and what drives individuals to abuse children.

Discovery of Preferences: Pedophiles often realize their atypical sexual preferences during teenage years, with a fixation on the age group that initially attracted them at puberty.
Involuntary Attraction: According to Dr. Fred Berlin from Johns Hopkins, people do not choose what arouses them; they discover it.
Research in Psychology: In the last generation, studies have delved into pedophilia, identifying it as a disorder characterized by arousing fantasies, urges, or behaviors with prepubescent children.
Emerging Portrait: Although not comprehensive, studies offer a clearer understanding of pedophilia, refuting stereotypes and revealing risks of potential physical abuse.

Gender Disparity: Majority offenders are men, but women also commit such offenses. Estimates show 1-4% of both genders may experience pedophilic attraction.
Age of Victims: Offenders typically target children aged 6-17, though some are interested in toddlers and infants.

This emerging body of research highlights a complex disorder that requires a nuanced understanding beyond stereotypes. It underscores the importance of continued study and effective law enforcement strategies to combat online child sexual abuse.

Article Source: The New York Times, written by Benedict Carey, published on September 29, 2019.
Further Reading: New York Times investigation into the spread of online child sex abuse.