Chatbot Gives Teens First-Hand Experience of Cybergrooming Tactics Without the Risk of Harm

Researchers at Virginia Tech developed an AI chatbot that simulates cybergrooming tactics—a gradual transition from harmless conversation to manipulation. The tool is based on surveys of parents and teens and allows children to recognize dangerous patterns without real harm.

• Chatbot simulates transition from harmless chat to manipulation
• Training based on data from surveys of parents and teens
• Goal is to teach teens to recognize grooming tactics