I first wrote this article in 2018. At that time, very few people we asking me about the Dark Web. Fast forward to 2025, and it’s a whole new ballgame.
When it comes to children, this is due in part to the interest in purchasing illegal drugs online and online gambling — which has grown exponentially in the past few years.
So, let’s take a look at how things have changed since our initial article in 2018.
From Obscurity to AI Infamy: The Evolving Face of the Dark Web
Back in 2018, the Dark Web was a murky, ethereal, underworld whispered about in cybersecurity circles and sensationalized in the media. Its reputation for hosting black markets, anonymous forums, and cybercrime rings was well-earned, but relatively contained.
Fast forward to 2025, and that shadowed landscape has mutated into something far more insidious and sophisticated. What began as a subversive curiosity has become a haven for AI-driven criminal operations, decentralized conspiracies, and cryptographic cat-and-mouse games with global enforcement agencies.
Is My Kid Exploring the Dark Web?
Most kids don’t start exploring the dark web because they’re trying to break the law — they’re curious. Maybe they heard about it in a YouTube video or from a friend at school. It sounds mysterious, underground, even kind of cool. That curiosity is what often opens the door.
The dark web isn’t just some spooky place—it’s a hidden part of the internet where search engines don’t reach. You need special tools like Tor to access it, and once inside, kids can stumble into spaces selling fake IDs, illegal drugs, and unregulated gambling. It’s like walking down a street where every store has blacked-out windows and no rules.
And here’s the thing: once they’re in, they’re exposed to communities and content that operate outside the boundaries of safety or legality. What starts as a thrill or rebellious adventure can quickly spiral. Maybe they gamble with crypto. Maybe they try to buy pills they think are “just like Adderall.” Or they land in a porn forum way darker than anything they’d see on mainstream sites.
That’s why awareness matters. You don’t need to become a cybersecurity expert—you just need to know the signs and start the conversation. If your child knows you’re open, calm, and curious—not judgmental—they’re much more likely to ask questions instead of hiding behavior.
So perhaps the video at the end of this article might be a simple introduction to the Dark Web. However, if you want to drill deeper into where this technology is today — and where it’s going, keep reading.
Artificial Intelligence: The New Crime Boss
Today’s cybercriminals don’t just hack — they automate, simulate, and manipulate. AI systems are used to craft hyper-targeted phishing campaigns, mimic voices and faces via deepfakes, and even generate malware that evolves mid-attack. In many cases, these operations are run with chilling efficiency, leaving victims with empty accounts and data trails before they even realize they’ve been compromised.
The Dark Web has embraced these tools, transforming scams into scalable enterprises. And unlike the clunky scripts of the past, AI allows bad actors to adapt in real time — making every prevention strategy a race against obsolescence.
Decentralized Markets: Ghost Towns on the Move
Remember Silk Road? That was ancient history compared to today’s marketplaces, which now live and breathe on decentralized platforms powered by blockchain. These “ghost towns” have no fixed servers and no single administrator. They’re fluid, replicable, and resilient to takedown efforts.
Even when authorities managed to dismantle major hubs like Archetyp in 2025, replacements like Exodus and Abacus sprang up with stronger encryption and tighter trust mechanisms — designed not only to resist policing, but to thrive under it.
Monero Takes the Throne
Bitcoin might still be king in mainstream circles, but on the Dark Web, Monero (XMR) has claimed the crown. Its privacy-centric architecture obscures sender, receiver, and transaction amounts — giving users a level of anonymity that’s increasingly precious in a world of growing regulation.
As governments tighten controls on crypto exchanges and try to trace illicit funding, Monero and other privacy coins have stepped deeper into the shadows, providing financial lifelines for illegal enterprises.
Small Targets, Big Stakes
Gone are the days when hackers focused solely on mega-corporations and national infrastructure. Thanks to ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS), even amateurs can deploy high-impact attacks. Small businesses, schools, and local governments have become prime targets, with attacks up 45% in the past year alone.
The democratization of cybercrime means anyone with a laptop and poor judgment can disrupt lives — and the Dark Web remains their training ground.
Quantum Computing: The Ticking Clock
While it hasn’t hit full stride yet, quantum computing looms like a digital apocalypse. Its potential to break existing encryption standards could collapse trust in even the most secure systems. Dark Web communities are already speculating about “post-quantum cryptography,” while regulators scramble to build digital fortresses that may one day crumble in milliseconds.
A Shifting Battlefront
Law enforcement and global agencies are fighting back — smarter, faster, and more connected than ever. International crackdowns, coordinated takedowns, and cryptocurrency regulations have made a dent. But like water through fingers, the Dark Web adapts, reformats, and redirects.
Why This Matters
Our original 2018 article captured a moment in time — a snapshot of digital danger before the AI revolution. Revisiting it now offers a powerful opportunity: to illustrate not just how cyberthreats have evolved, but how much more vulnerable we’ve all become.
This brief video helps to keep you informed and your family safe. You’ll also see how much darker my beard was:-)
NOTE: If you’d like us to come to your school or organization for our presentation on the impact of social media on teens, please contact us at: marybeth@awiredfamily.org
Or order our newest book, Social Media & the Silent Experiment: The Demise of Childhood
