Grooming

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Grooming is a term used in internet slang to describe when someone builds a relationship with another person, usually online, with the intention of manipulating or exploiting them. It often involves gaining the trust of the victim by chatting, offering support, or appearing friendly. The ultimate goal of grooming is to control or take advantage of the targeted individual.

Examples:
In online gaming, an experienced player might groom a younger player by offering them tips and advice to create a friendship. Later on, the manipulator could exploit the younger player’s trust by persuading them to share personal information or even give away valuable in-game items.
– In social media, a person may groom someone by pretending to be someone else and establishing a false identity. They might engage in friendly conversations, gain the victim’s trust, and gradually manipulate them into sharing compromising photos or videos.

Grooming often involves:
– Manipulating
– Exploiting
Building trust
Controlling
Taking advantage

Synonyms:
catfishing, online manipulation
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