like minded perverts from around the world and convince each other that they're not weirdos and groom each other into taking things further and further.

Hear hear. Pre internet, your real friends and family, the ones who want the best for you, would give the tough talk.

Current era, your real friends and family are outnumbered by an infinite number of freaks (both real, sock, and botted) telling you your real friends and family are just bigots and should be ignored.