A "map person" or more accurately "MAP" stands for "Minor Attracted Person." This term is used to describe individuals who experience sexual attraction to minors, typically those under the age of 18. The term originated within online pro-pedophile groups but has been adopted by some academic researchers as a neutral and less stigmatizing alternative to the term "pedophile" to describe attraction rather than behavior

. Key points about MAPs include:

• MAP is an umbrella term that can include attraction to prepubescent children (pedophilia), pubescent minors (hebephilia), and adolescents (ephebophilia)

• The term distinguishes attraction from criminal behavior; not all MAPs engage in illegal or abusive acts

• Some MAPs identify their attraction as part of their sexual orientation, though this is highly controversial and socially stigmatized

• Many MAPs face significant stigma and often conceal their attraction to avoid judgment, social rejection, or legal consequences

• Academic research on MAPs aims to understand their experiences, reduce stigma, and explore ways to prevent offending behavior while supporting mental health

However, the term is contentious and rejected by many, including law enforcement, who find it inappropriate to use a neutral term for individuals attracted to minors, especially those involved in offending

. In summary, a MAP person is someone attracted to minors, with the term used mainly in academic and some advocacy contexts to describe this attraction without immediate criminal implication, though it remains highly controversial and socially sensitive.