Contrary to the media attention that Internet sex offenders are getting, a new study reveals that all these risks connected to social networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook are all exaggerated.

The study entitled “Online ‘Predators’ and Their Victims: Myths, Realities and Implications for Prevention” was conducted by the University of New Hampshire.

It basically contradicts the image created by the media that online predators resort to deception and violence to attack children. Most Internet sex offenders are actually young adults who seduce teens unknowingly, usually leading to a nonforcible statutory rape. Conversely, cases involving violence, stalking or kidnapping are very rare.

Oh, if you’re wondering who’s this innocent looking guy, his name is Joshua Karney and he is one of the most wanted sex offenders in the UK.

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