The Dangers of Online Dating

Online dating is one of the most widely popular trends in the urban society nowadays. It has become one of the most convenient ways of meeting people and interacting with them. You can socialize with people across the globe, relaxing in the cozy environment of your house, with internet dating. However, very few people realize that there are a number of probable risks linked with this activity. The biggest threat is that since the identity of the person is anonymous, you will never be able to know his/her genuineness or any other ulterior motive that might be on his/her mind. For some more information on risks associated with online dating, read on.

Risks Of Online Dating

Manipulation of information is one of the most probable risks of online dating. It is not necessary that the person whom you are chatting with has registered true details about his/her own self. Age, sex and marital status are some of the most manipulated pieces of information.
Many men and women run scams on the net. They deliberately communicate with members of the opposite sex and once the other person falls for them, they start asking for money. The moment the money is wired, the person hears no more from his/her love. If, by any chance, the person is contacted again, it is only for more money.
Some people even ask you for your e-mail at once. Once you give them, they start mailing you dating spam and never turn up. Worse can be the case when they steal your identity and begin stalking you in real life.
At times, people you meet online may just appear right at your doorstep, even when you have not provided your address. Remember, all that one needs to be is a little internet savvy and he/she can hack sites, trace back IP addresses and use slips of personal data to locate a person in real life.
There is an increased rate of criminals logging onto online dating sites and fooling people.
Many online romantic affairs result in sexual abuse. Some members who sign up for adult online dating sites are married and are simply seeking sexual partners.
The abundance of offensive materials that are found online has increased the dangers of online dating by miles. Right from nude photographs to the more perverse and twisted materials, you can just be conned to almost any limit.

Caution

Trust your instincts and do not blindly fall for a person. Not only would you be emotionally and economically broken, but you can be ripped off your physical being as well. Just listen to your gut feeling and move off, if you smell anything fishy.
Never give your personal information, such as your mobile number, home address or anything that is personal. This might sound surprising, but a person can reach your doorstep only with a few details.
Usually people with alternate mode of interest are the ones who would take the first initiative, every time they see you online. Beware of such freaks. Even if you are a female, you should take the initial initiative.
Even if you have developed a comfort zone with the person, make sure you are on your own guard. Instead of providing him/her with your original email address, set up an anonymous email account. Do not give in your full name. This would protect your privacy.
In case the person has overloaded you with enough information about his/her background, consider going for a reality check. This would give you an opportunity to know whether the person is genuine or fake.
If the two of you have agreed to meet each other, make sure that the first meeting is in a public place, which is full of people. For additional safety, confide in a friend or two and let them be around you, without him/her knowing of it. Make sure you arrange for your pick and drop on your own.

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