Online Safety Dating Tips (Part 1 of 2)
Online personals, chat rooms and Internet dating can be a great way to meet that special someone, however it is important to approach virtual dating the same way you would normal dating. This means applying your common sense to every situation, not accepting abusive behavior and considering your own safety first is your first priority.
While most online services do their very best to ensure your privacy and confidentiality, the sad fact is that systems break down, mistakes are made and there are hackers out there that can find out your information.
Most services make you agree that you are responsible for your own safety before you are allowed to become a member of the site. This is because most services do not screen their users and most abusers of the system are not caught until they do something outrageous (such as post outrageous material in a public forum) or stalk a woman. There are quite a few ways that you can protect your own privacy and safety when you go to a dating site online.
First of all, always use an alias, as opposed to your real name when writing your profile, send emails within the system or participating in a chat room. Never reveal your real last name or address to a stranger. Keep in mind, too, that employees of these sites never come online and ask for that kind of information!
If you do exchange telephone numbers with a stranger, try to use a cell phone. If you are calling a stranger for the first time and have no idea what the result of the conversation will be, block your number before you call.
It is also a good idea to never reveal your primary email address for online dating correspondence. Create an online account with a provider such as Bigfoot, yahoo or hotmail that allows you to conceal your identity. This is the safest way to correspond with potential dates if the dating site you are on does not provide a secure, anonymous site with an inter-email message system that protects your identity.
If you decide to meet someone you have found online, always agree to meet in a very public place that is frequented by a lot of people. Never meet at his place or yours, or in a secluded area such as a park or a parking lot. Carry your cell phone with you and make sure you inform a good friend or relative of where you are going and with whom before you leave the house.
Some individuals, particularly females, might want to instruct a friend to call their cell-phone about ten minutes past the appointed time to meet your date. You can accept this call and pretend it is an emergency if for some reason you need to politely escape the situation.
A similar strategy... [Continued: Safety / Security 2]