Internet Dating Safety

Searching online for love and companionship has become common practice. Most currently unattached people will probably try it at least once and nearly every day a new online dating site becomes available to help you find your perfect companion. While it\’s exciting and fun to meet new people you should always keep personal safety in the forefront of your mind. There are many ways that you can protect yourself and still have the adventure of meeting people from cyberspace in person. Here are a few tips to help protect you in your online dating adventures.

First and foremost you should never give out too much personal information when you begin chatting online or begin meeting someone from online in person. This includes your last name, home address, phone number and workplace. Giving out too much information can make it very easy for someone to find you and you may discover that having this person find you is the last thing you want.

Make sure that your first couple of meetings with someone you met online is in a public place. Tell a friend or family member where you are going and when you plan to be back. If you change locations be sure to let your friend know and have them call to check in at some point during the date to make sure you are okay. If things are not going well, this can give you a good excuse to leave without appearing rude. Some people even go so far as giving their friend the online identity of the person they are meeting and their email address. If you choose to do this, let your date know both because it would otherwise be rude to give out someone\’s information and to let your date know that your friend is aware of who you are with, where you are, and when you will be back.

Never allow an online acquaintance to pick you up for a date or go with them in their car to a second location. You can either take public transportation, a cab, or your own vehicle. You don\’t want to have to depend on your date for a ride home if things aren\’t going well and you should be protecting the more personal aspects of your identity like your address.

Follow your instincts. Unfortunately not everyone you meet online will always have the best of intentions towards you. If something about your date makes you uncomfortable or just doesn\’t seem right then leave as soon as possible and do not contact them again. If you actually feel that your safety is threatened, and then talk to a security guard, waitress, or bartender and have them either walk with you or watch you until you get safely in your car and drive away.

Online dating really can be a fun and rewarding experience, but because of the anonymity of the internet it is entirely possible to build an online relationship with someone who is being less than truthful. For that reason you should use caution and your best judgment always keeping personal safety at the top of your priority list.

Author Bio: Joseph Johnson is the lead administrator for UpFriends, an online social community and message board aimed at creating powerful social connections and friendships.

Category: Dating
Keywords: online dating, internet dating, make friends, social network, message forums

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