In addition to sharing her shock over “by the number of people” who turn out to be online predators, Ariel noted while rewarding, the work can also be personally challenging.
“I didn’t realize it would bring up some of the things past traumas for me that it did,” she explained, “but when you’re in disguise as a 12-year-old and someone is telling you what they’re going to do to your 12-year-old body… it’s hard.”
And in the years since she began helping SOSA, the organization’s founder Roo Powell says Ariel has become a valued member.
“I feel so lucky to have her get behind our mission,” Roo said. “It’s been really meaningful, and the benefit has really been in raising awareness for both parents and kids of the dangers lurking online.”