For many people who have never tried online dating, the whole concept can seem a little strange and even scary. Their views about internet dating and the dangers lurking in cyber space are often completely mistaken, due to exaggerated horror stories about dates that have turned into a disaster.
We have all heard the press reports and seen the sensationalized stories on television about people who have had some terrible experiences with online dating sites from having your heart broken , money taken right up to physical violence. Some online romances have ended rather tragically.
BUT the ratio of these unfortunate incidents happening online is not much different from similar things that happen in the so-called real world (offline).
The statistics tell a story of online dating being a wonderful way for men and women to meet each other for: life-long relationship, friendship only, or even just occasional meetings for casual fun and sex. Whatever your interest, there is someone ready and waiting to cater for your wants and needs on an online dating site.
Nevertheless, like most things in life, we need our cyber seat-belts, speed limits and traffic lights. If not, there would be complete anarchy and chaos. So, here are some very important dating tips regarding safety and security on the Internet.
1. Never give out any of your private information
Giving out your personal details is stupid for a number of reasons. You could become the victim of complete identity theft, or perhaps the victim of a cyber stalker. Some of the key information you need to keep confidential from the outset:
All of your telephone numbers (cell, home, work) Phone numbers of friends and relatives Your address Financial details (bank account and credit card)2. Keep a separate phone for online dating
Sooner or later you will want to get that girl's or guy's number, and you will eventually have to divulge yours, too. A special dating tip: you can monitor all of your internet dating incoming calls by having a separate cell for this purpose. In the event that a stalker comes onto the scene, it is much easier to deal with the problem by just having the one mobile phone.
3. Always have your first meeting in a place with lots of people around
This may sound obvious, but some people are experts at gaining your trust even in cyber space. Be extra careful you are not talked into meeting a man or woman at their house or apartment. Also, never agree to a first-up meeting in a hotel room. You never know what may happen.
4. Let somebody know where and when you are having your first real-life meeting
When you do decide to embark on that first date with Mr. or Ms. Maybe-Right from the Net, make sure you tell your best friend, mother, or whomever, just exactly when and where you are meeting this person. Also, let your date know in no uncertain terms that these details have been passed on to a third party for your security. If he/she attempts to make a change on your already agreed plans, alarm bells should start ringing, so get the heck outta there, pronto!
5. Look Up Your New Date on a Search Engine
You never know! They may be wanted in several states for goodness knows what.
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