Do You Love Me? Psychological Characteristics of Romance Scam Victims
Whitty, MT. (2018) — Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking
Type:
Journal Article
Country:
United Kingdom
AI-Generated Synopsis
Do You Love Me? Psychological Characteristics of Romance Scam Victims, published in Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, presents a catalog-style overview of how perpetrators exploit online romance scripts and how victims respond. The article situates romance scams within digital dating environments, describing recurring patterns of emotional engagement, trust-building, and cognitive vulnerability. It surveys psychological factors that may shape victim experiences, including attachment dynamics, needs for affiliation, and susceptibility to social influence, while outlining how manipulation of affection and urgency can influence decision-making and perceived legitimacy in online interactions. It reviews a range of research perspectives on victim profiles and consequences, focusing on how emotional reactions, self-perception, and coping strategies relate to recovery processes. The discussion covers risk factors and contextual variables—such as platform features, communication styles, and opportunities for impression management—without presenting specific data. The synopsis notes that psychological impacts can extend beyond the initial deceit, affecting self-esteem, trust in institutions, and attitudes toward technology, and it emphasizes considerations for support services and prevention messaging. It also addresses methodological considerations relevant to cyberpsychology, such as the value and limits of self-report studies, the role of qualitative narratives, and ethical concerns when researching sensitive victim experiences. The article highlights implications for practitioners, platform designers, and educators, advocating victim-centered resources, improved detection cues, and transparent reporting channels within social networking environments. By outlining theoretical and practical interfaces between psychology and online behavior, the synopsis signals directions for future inquiry and the refinement of interventions designed to reduce vulnerability and assist recovery.