Craigslist Makes a Change

Addictions can lead people to do many things they never imagined themselves capable of. The latest shocker is a crime spree with a possible addiction connection: that of the so-called Craigslist Killer. Did a gambling problem really lead a mild-mannered med student to commit robbery and murder? The justice system moves slowly so it may be years before we see a final verdict in this case, but the changes to America’s favorite online classifieds are already being felt.

Most people who use Craigslist are simply looking for used exercise equipment, furniture or maybe a new roommate, but some use the site to either advertise for or seek out “Erotic Services.” Phillip Markoff’s alleged victim had posted such an ad and had arranged to meet Markoff at the hotel where she was eventually found murdered. In the aftermath of the crime, changes have been made to Craigslist, removing the “Erotic Services” section. In addition, some lawmakers are calling for legislation that would ban such ads from being posted to begin with.

The problem is, if Markoff was battling a gambling addiction and was desperate enough for cash to consider robbing and assaulting women who posted ads offering erotic massage on Craigslist (as police allege), then pulling those ads from Craigslist wasn’t going to stop him. It certainly isn’t going to stop the many others battling addiction who are making poor choices in their descent down to rock bottom. (Of course, most addicts focus more on hurting themselves than others, and shouldn’t be compared in any way to Markoff.) Trying to keep those who post ads on Craigslist safe is a noble goal, but we also need to focus some effort on understanding addiction and recognizing the warning signs so we can offer help before another tragedy like this happens.