Ok I have a serious question. Do you use your real name on dating sites? Looks like a lot of people have silly names but I think it would be hard to get to know someone by a stupid name… then realize they have a real name. KWIM? So maybe real first name? And skip last name for privacy?

And yes I realize there are some of both on this forum.

Ok so this is a popular topic out there and people have different options on it, but my opinion is that you can use your first name for sure, but not your last name. It's best to not have people to be able to stalk you online and figure out where you live, unless you decide to get into a real relationship with them. Many people do usernames instead of their real names, but again you need to probably use something different than what you use for your other accounts and such. There was a few posts on this forum where family/friends were able to read the public chats of some dating websites becuase their username was something they were well known for. So, I always say that being cautious is better than anything. Once you type info out there, you can't take it back and delete it so it is part of permanent internet!

I use my real first name as well but never mention my last name.

For things other than dating I have a online nickname I use for things like Reddit or my gamer tag, etc...

Never never! There are digital records of everything online. You can never outrun a conversation.

Rick = truth. If you use your real name— first only —if not use a username. I don’t recommend it’s the same as your email address either if you use the user name for that. Many chat sites become publically indexed.

First name ok… never last name.

either way you can get into trouble.