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Guide 2 Internet Dating > Free Articles > Why?
Internet Dating Dangers
Note: Want to protect yourself from online dating scams? Why not read Avoiding Romance Scams (which is reviewed here) and educate yourself on the dangers and how to protect yourself.
You have probably heard news stories, perhaps even heard news items about the dangers of online dating. Just like in the offline world, it is important that you are always aware of safety issues when meeting new people. Additionally, there are some issues that are specific to internet dating that you need to be aware of.
Of course, this does not mean that you avoid internet dating sites, or that you should hide yourself away from the world. It simply means that you should take precautions, and remember that not everybody in the online world (just as in the offline world) is honest about themselves.
Watch out for lies and embellishments
There are certain things which people commonly lie about within their profile. The most common include: height, weight, age, and occupation. Also be aware that people may embellish a little bit about themselves to make themselves sound better. For example, they may over exaggerate their travel experience, college education, etc.
Other things to be aware of include:-
- Some pictures can't be trusted. Some people use old photographs of themselves because they looked better back then.
- Some people lie about their relationship status. For example, married people have been known to state they are single on internet dating sites.
Be careful about sharing your email
Here are some tips for protecting your email address (and indirectly, your identity):-
- Most yahoo, hotmail, gmail, etc...
- You should never give your work email address to someone from an internet dating site.
- Make sure you remove your last name from outgoing messages under the options section. Most of these mail services automatically put it in from the sign up form.
Be careful about sharing your personal information
It's very easy to get swept away by the possibility of a new romance. However, the anonymous nature of internet dating sites makes it very important than ever to protect your personal information:-
- Don't share your full name.
- Never give out the details of exactly where you work, or go to school.
- You can say something like "I work at a major downtown law firm." If they ask, "Which one?" Just politely tell them you'd rather not say until you get to know them a little better. Most people will understand and respect your decision to not share.
- Don't ever give out your address.
- Be very careful about giving out your telephone number. This is especially true of your cell phone number.
Don't get too serious too fast
It's best to just keep things on the lighter side for a little while when you first meet someone from an internet dating site. Keeping things friendly and light, will help you to get to know the other person a lot better than just diving into a relationship. Unfortunately, there are some people of questionable character in this world. You're just as likely to meet someone who is up to no good at the gym, bar/club, or even at work as you are at an internet dating site. The only difference with internet dating sites is the level of anonymity that they provide to their users, and this is a dual-edged sword. Anonymity helps protect the innocent, but it can also allow those of dubious character to get away with more.
But have fun!
These pitfalls and dangers aren't mentioned to scare you. Internet dating sites can provide safe, fun, and exciting ways to meet people. You just keep these tips in mind and use your own common-sense. The overwhelming majority of people on internet dating sites are legitimately searching for someone they can connect with, have fun with, and maybe even fall in love with. So be careful, be safe, but have fun, and you never know - maybe that special person they're waiting for is you!
Note: Want to protect yourself from online dating scams? Why not read Avoiding Romance Scams (which is reviewed here) and educate yourself on the dangers and how to protect yourself.