Dangerous Behavior?
- Tuesday, October 04 2011 @ 10:11 am
- Contributed by: Jet
- Views: 1,346
One of the most common fears about online dating remains being scammed. Most media probably only serves to perpetuate that fear; it seems there’s always some new story about an innocent who meets someone on an online dating site who wasn’t what they seemed.
The fact is, innocent people do get scammed from time to time, in all areas of life. You could be taken advantage of by the contractor who works on your house, or by the “teens” going door-to-door for a “fundraiser.” Not everyone we encounter has only pure intentions.
“But wait!” you may be thinking. “If I see someone in person, I can judge them more accurately, and use my gut instincts. The internet is scarier because you can’t see the person on the other end.”
Fair enough. If you’re not sure if online dating is safe enough for you, here are some questions to consider: Do you ever buy anything online? Do you put your current location or activities out on any social networking sites? Are your blogs or social networking sites open to the public? Have you ever exchanged contact information with someone you’ve just met in real life, whether it’s a new acquaintance with a mutual interest or someone you’re romantically interested in?
If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, you’re already engaging in more “dangerous” behavior than online dating - the only difference is popular perception.
So, how do you stay safe when you take the plunge and join an online dating site?
First, be reasonable about your personal details. Don’t spell out exactly where you work or live if you can help it. Share that information when you feel more comfortable and have met in person. Never give any financial information out, like your credit card number, no matter how convincing the tale. Use your gut - yes, it will still work even over the internet. And when you meet in person, use all the usual safety precautions - a public place, all information given to a friend or family member, and anything else that may make you feel safer.
But remember: you know how to take care of yourself. You navigate the waters of life every day, and probably identify and avoid the sharks without even thinking about it. Why should online dating be any different? Use your brain, and your instincts, and you’ll be fine.
The fact is, innocent people do get scammed from time to time, in all areas of life. You could be taken advantage of by the contractor who works on your house, or by the “teens” going door-to-door for a “fundraiser.” Not everyone we encounter has only pure intentions.
“But wait!” you may be thinking. “If I see someone in person, I can judge them more accurately, and use my gut instincts. The internet is scarier because you can’t see the person on the other end.”
Fair enough. If you’re not sure if online dating is safe enough for you, here are some questions to consider: Do you ever buy anything online? Do you put your current location or activities out on any social networking sites? Are your blogs or social networking sites open to the public? Have you ever exchanged contact information with someone you’ve just met in real life, whether it’s a new acquaintance with a mutual interest or someone you’re romantically interested in?
If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, you’re already engaging in more “dangerous” behavior than online dating - the only difference is popular perception.
So, how do you stay safe when you take the plunge and join an online dating site?
First, be reasonable about your personal details. Don’t spell out exactly where you work or live if you can help it. Share that information when you feel more comfortable and have met in person. Never give any financial information out, like your credit card number, no matter how convincing the tale. Use your gut - yes, it will still work even over the internet. And when you meet in person, use all the usual safety precautions - a public place, all information given to a friend or family member, and anything else that may make you feel safer.
But remember: you know how to take care of yourself. You navigate the waters of life every day, and probably identify and avoid the sharks without even thinking about it. Why should online dating be any different? Use your brain, and your instincts, and you’ll be fine.
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