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Today you can keep in touch with people all over the world with a simple click of the mouse. Suddenly no matter how far away someone is, you can talk to them instantaneously. What about when the person you’re talking to isn’t you who you think they are? What about when you think your safe because there miles away, and it turns out it’s the guy who gives you your coffee everyday down the street. Keeping yourself safe online isn’t only a good idea, it’s necessary.
ONLINE PREDATORS
We’ve all heard the news reports and the horror stories and the straight out urban legends that follow after you tell someone you chat online. If you’re young you’ve probably heard all you want to on the subject. The problem is no one ever thinks it could happen to them.
An online predator knows what he’s doing. He’s manipulative and he knows how you’ll react to different situations. He’s studied you, he’s gotten close. He’ll chat with you, gain your trust, and make you think the world of him. Even while he’s typing away about how you both are so alike, and how he’s discovered his soul mate in you, he’s already setting up the place he’ll take you if he can ever get you alone.
Here are some of the warnings signs of an online predator:
He changes his story a lot
Other people IM you to warn you about him
His attitude and personality seem to change every time you talk to him
He has anger problems, often ranting and raving
His main purpose is to get you out to meet him. If you don’t feel comfortable then DO NOT MEET with the person. If he pushes, perhaps you should rethink your idea.
If You Decide To Meet
Alright, so despite all the dangers you know you’re taking you want to meet someone from online anyway. This is fine; more than one good relationship has started online. I myself had a very happy relationship from meeting someone online. The trick is to know that you’re taking a risk and to minimize that risk as much as possible. There are some steps you can take to help this.
The Pal Call: Choose a friend, or two, to give you a call at various points during the date. A cell phone works best, as you can bring it with you. But don’t ignore the phone and freak your friends out. Your friends should know where to send the police if necessary.
Public Meetings: Always make sure you meet in a very public place. The mall, or other crowded area’s are good ideas. Don’t let him pick you up, and have a ride to leave if you don’t feel comfortable.
Friend: Consider bringing a friend with you. Talk it over with the person you’re meeting, perhaps they too would feel more comfortable with someone else there.
There are plenty of steps you can take to help make your online time fun time, and safe time. Remember that females, especially young ones, are the most at risk online. But that’s not where it ends. Everyone has their predators online, man or woman.
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