I’ve had friends who’ve been very successful with online dating, I’ve had some not so good experiences,” Meredith told CNN.
“I just kind of feel like maybe online dating might not be for me. I mean there are a lot of scammers out there.”
Psychologist Lisa Strohman, who specializes in treating patients suffering from social media and technology-related problems, says the internet allows dating predators to cast a wide net.
The explosion of dating sites “puts it on overdrive,” Strohman explains. “Predators can use technology now to manipulate, groom, lure and get people where they want them without any risk to themselves.”
The alleged victims we spoke with in the Gonzales case said the online Romeo said the right things, including talking about the importance of family.
“I’m walking to have dinner with my mom,” a text allegedly from Gonzales read on Meredith’s phone.
“I feel like any man who loves his mother is probably going to love me in the right way,” Meredith said.