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Dating or Meeting New Friends Online Safely

Unfortunately meeting on the internet is not without its potential safety risks and concerns. All social networking websites are faced with the need to ensure their members most private information is protected. All these security enhancements can provide a good level of protection, however, there is no way to guarantee absolute safety and anonymity online.

Widely popular social networking sites like Friendoozle.com or My Space provide an exceptionally great resource especially considering the sites are free for users. Most public information is really generic and private information is held completely private. Most sites are designed to protect member's identity and allow only on-site contact. Sometimes information is passed along by the member himself or herself or a friend who innocently answers a question asked by a seemingly innocuous mutual friend.

Users of online dating and social networking sites need to be aware of the types of people who use these services. Many of these sites do what they can to weed out false profiles and have flagging systems in place to have profiles reviewed. In addition to the security provisions most site operators offer users should be aware of a few simple rules for protecting their information.

Listed below you will find some common sense guidelines that will help you maintain anonymity for the highest level of security. I provide this information as a guideline only and do not warranty its effectiveness. It is not my intent to discourage but rather encourage online friendships in the most safe and secure setting possible.

• Be cautious with your address and phone number
  You would be surprised at how many profiles in my research I have encountered with a posted address and phone number. It is common for users to post a cell phone number but remember cell numbers can be traced also.



• They gave me their number so I could call them
  You may be tempted to call them if they say, call me if you are afraid to give me your number. Remember they probably have caller I.D. so if you do call them guess what - they now have your number.



• Never give your real name
  They may sound really nice and you may begin to trust them but if you give your first and last name they can find you. If you are listed in the phone book it is that easy to find out where you live.



• Never mention your place of employment
  Be cautious when providing details. Remember they have probably seen you picture and they can spot you.



• Do not assume they live far away
  Their profile says they live in California and you live in Virginia so it should be safe to flirt a little. Never assume that just because they say they live across the country from you they do. They could actually live right in your own neighborhood.



• When discussing hobbies or routines
  Its ok to mention, I work out twice a week, for example, do not say where or when keep your details unspecific.

Most people are inherently good and trustworthy. Online friendships can be as important as friends that you see on a regular basis. The most important thing to remember when you first meet anyone whether in person or online you are talking to someone you do not know. It is important that you spend the time to get to know them in the safest manner that you can whether that be through email, a regular chat or message board or in a public setting such as a coffee shop or speed dating event.

©Lynn Gerino - resource articles for topics in family, lifestyle, religion, relationships and more.Friendoozle Friends With Online Forums, message boards, Myspace layouts, video clips, music and bands
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