Thursday, April 5, 2012

Online Dating Hazards

Webnotes by: Theresa Payton, Fortalice, LLC.  Content also featured on WBTV's segment, Protecting Your Cyberturf, featuring Kristen Miranda and Theresa Payton. 

 
Match.com claims that 1 in 5 relationships start online.  We all have busy lives so for those of you that are single, it’s harder and harder to meet people to date.  We have talked to you before about precautions you should take when you meet people online but it’s not just the websites -- it’s the new technology people are using.  The dating scene has moved to cell phone apps that use your GPS location at that very moment to suggest other singles at your location that are also looking to meet people.  It sounds ideal doesn’t it?  Sort of just in time dating opportunities?  But  cyber expert, Theresa Payton, is here to warn you how to use technology to your advantage without being taken advantage of!


BAD IDEA:

1.  If someone uses this app long enough, they may see you on there several times which means a stranger knows your favorite places and where you hang out

2. Nothing is ever “private” on the internet so photos, GPS locations, and other dating information is just another hunting ground for stalkers


SAFE DATING:

1.  Stay away from sharing GPS location and pictures of yourself at your favorite places

2.  Use only trusted dating sites that do some background checks and screening

3.  Drive your own vehicle to the date and let a friend or loved one know where you will be and have a proposed “check in” time with them to let them know you are home safely

4.  You can use these services to see who is available without identifying yourself as available so that might be another option - just make sure you screen people first because the old school rule, “Don’t talk to strangers!” always applies.


WORD OF THE WEEK:

INSTAGRAM:  a fun way to take a photo and transform its look and feel before you send it to friends or post it to Facebook.  


      
WEB RESOURCES:


Safety online dating tips and how to report problems can be found at the National Sexual Violence Resource Center at
http://www.nsvrc.org

You can find the free app Instagram at
http://instagr.am/

4 comments:

  1. It's really an ideal act if you secure your safety first right? Online dating is fun but you need to think out from the box because you don't know the possibilities. I didn't mean that online dating is dangerous what I'm trying to emphasize is that you need to be careful all the time.

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  2. Thanks for this safety dating online tips, this will be a good help specially with teenagers today.

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  3. Thanks for the safe dating tips. indeed a very nice article.

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