is online dating really as dangerous as media makes it out to be?

Answer 1

What the hell does the "media" have to do with common sense?

Gee. How dangerous could it be for me to put myself in a vulnerable position with a complete stranger?

Answer 2

The same people you meet on the street are the same people you'll meet on the net just a different way of communicating. Everyone has the internet now a days except for a few older people who don't know how to work a computer still which is a chosen few. With that in mind, you meet weirdos all day in person or people you just get an odd feeling about and stay clear of and some you passed and never even knew he was playing pocket pool the whole time. Same thing on the net, you'll find weirdos and good people just the same. You just have to be smart about it - I've found the only difference in people is that on the net they'll say what they are thinking - there is no thought filter (for the most part) - because they aren't looking you in the face (it's like you dont really exist to them). My ex I met online and we went out a year, we're not getting along right now but that's for other reasons (distance) not because he was weird or anything. I was about 85% sure he was a great person by the time I met him - saw him on cam so i knew he was telling the truth who he was and his life and talked to him on phone. In general, it can be dangerous you just have to have common sense, or it could be a dangerous weapon.

Answer 3

Not necessarily, but you still need to use your common sense though as always.

I got some tips of datingmatchmakers.com, I think these were the best two:

*Guard your anonymity

Never include your last name, real email address, personal Web site URL, home address, phone number, place of work, or any other identifying information in your profile or initial emails you exchange with other members. Make sure your email signature file is turned off, or does not include identifying information, when corresponding with a member via your own email. Stop communicating with anyone who pressures you for this information or attempts in any way to trick you into revealing it. Take all the time you need to become comfortable with someone before revealing any personal contact information. Ask questions and make sure you are satisfied with the answers. Trust your instincts, move cautiously and be selective.

*Exercise caution and common sense.

Careful, well-thought decisions generally lead to better results in dating, and this is certainly true with online dating too. Guard against trusting the untrustworthy. Any suitor must earn your trust gradually, through consistently honorable, forthright behavior. Your job is to take all the time you need to test for a trustworthy person, and pay careful attention along the way. Take a relatively conservative approach to trusting anyone you meet online. If you think someone is lying, it is likely that they are, so act accordingly. Move on to someone you can eventually trust. Conduct yourself and your romances in a responsible manner. Don't fall in love at the click of a mouse. Don't become prematurely intimate with someone, even if that intimacy only occurs online."

I hope this helps, good luck and have fun!
Play safe!
xoxo

Answer 4

I don't belive it can be, B/c you are talking online and you are telling things about youself and they are doing the same thing there is no physical contact yet. But if you plan to meet somewhere it can be. Always be sure you have someone with you,and a place you know before making that frist step. Then if you like them and feel safe after a few dates, go ahead and have fun..
The media just takes things that has happen to people who just met someone and rushed into it and got there self hurt..

Answer 5

It's more dangerous if you think in terms of probability as you open yourself to more people on the Internet since you talk to people all over the world vs. in your own city.
You can't really get to know someone on a screen vs. hanging out with them. Like anytime you meet someone new, you just use common sense and caution until you feel comfortable around them. Use your sixth sense.

Answer 6

Dating is dangerous, on line dating is dangerous, crossing the street is dangerous. In order to avoid danger you have to be able to look at things from a perspective in which you are not blinded by your desires.

Answer 7

online dating isn't as dangerous as they make it out to be. but you do run the risk of meeting someone that is crazy or a murderer or child molester. it's easier to hide your flaws while just communicating on line. but the same can be said for meeting people the old fashioned way. you could meet someone through friends who seems normally but really turns out to be a serial killer. crazy people is what makes dating dangerous. the internet just makes it easier for them to hide it.

Answer 8

Not nearly as dangerous as the guys I meet at bar closing on Friday nights Jesus will I ever learn? Just cause they buy me a drink does not mean I have to sleep with them and guys who carry handcuffs on their belts and are not police officers are definitely not safe it's a wonder I am still alive......

Answer 9

I think if your careful and meet the person in a high density place, I think you'd be alright. You will also want to let someone know what your agenda is, like what time to expect a call from you with a date update...know what I mean?

Answer 10

Nah, its no more dangerous than meeting a random in a club/bar/cafe...actually it's probably safer cos it's down to you how much info you give the people...in a face to face meeting you have nowhere to run if push comes to shove.