Dr. Pamela Wisniewski and collaborators’ research on helping teens recognize and respond to cybergrooming was recently featured by Virginia Tech News.
The team is developing an AI-powered chatbot that allows teens to safely experience how online interactions can gradually progress from seemingly innocent conversations toward predatory behavior—without exposing them to actual harm. The goal is to move beyond simply detecting harmful actors and instead empower teens to recognize when interactions become unsafe and give them practical strategies for responding.
Wisniewski expressed her gratitude to collaborators Jin-Hee Cho, Sang Won Lee, Huang Lifu, and the broader interdisciplinary team behind the project.
She is proud to be part of research exploring how AI can be used responsibly to empower and protect young people online, while helping teens build the knowledge and skills to navigate online risks themselves.