In the 2000s, a moral panic erupted over internet predators, with fears that adults were using the internet to sext and groom minors. The panic was fueled by media sensationalism and the popularization of social media, leading to calls for regulation and the prosecution of online predators. Despite the opposition, the panic reflected deep-seated anxieties about the safety of children in the digital age.

The internet predator panic has been the subject of numerous literary works that explore the intersection of technology, fear, and the protection of children. The event has inspired writers to examine the dynamics of moral panic and the role of media in shaping public perception, and it has been used as a backdrop for works that critique the criminalization of online behavior. It also serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of moral panic and the importance of evidence-based policy.