Online Community Safety

Stay safe when making new friends online.

The Internet is an emerging place to make new friends and relationships. The possibilities for human connection are endless and exciting. As with any new social setting, there are risks involved with using online communities. But by following a few good rules of thumb and exercising some common sense, you can make sure that your online experience is safe and secure.

Keep private information private

The main rule when it comes to online community safety is not to share anything that you don't want made public. Whether it is videos, photos, or written anecdotes, distributing information online is incredibly easy and you never know who may be looking. If the material you are sharing could negatively impact you, your job, or your family's well-being, then you should strongly reconsider making that information public.

It is becoming increasingly more common for potential employers or university admissions officials to perform Internet searches on their applicants. Consider how you will be reflected in what they find.

Don't use your real name

When making new friends on the Internet, remaining anonymous is a wise precaution. There are many search engines available through which you can find any information that is legally available through the public record. It is not inconceivable that by your given name and location alone, someone on from an online community may easily to find your telephone number or home address.

Never give out your password

For people who socialize in online games or message boards, there may be occasions when allowing someone access to your account seems like it would be helpful. However, this can be a dangerous practice. Consider the information they could have access to or the damage they could cause by misleading people into thinking they are you. Since most people have the bad habit of using the same password for all of their online accounts, anyone with the password to your community account could potentially have access to your email or online banking.

Be smart when doing business

There are a number of reasons why you may wish to engage in a business transaction with somebody you met online. Perhaps they can provide particular goods or services that you're interested in. Maybe you have an item that they are interested in purchasing. Online communities are a great tool for finding things you wouldn't be able to find elsewhere or for making new business contacts, but be aware that it poses risks, as well.

Never give out your credit card information or your bank account details to somebody you don't know. There are many safe ways you can orchestrate a transaction without giving out this sensitive information. For example, services such as Pay Pal or eBay allow reliable, certified methods to ensure that your money gets to where it needs to go. Never use email, message boards, or instant messaging to do business.

Meet new friends in public places

Many lasting relationships have been forged through online communities. When meeting somebody in person for the first time, it is always best to exercise caution. No matter how long you have known them from an online community, take the time to get to know them in person before allowing them access to your personal life.

When meeting an Internet friend for the first time, it's best to meet in a public place, such as a coffee shop, a restaurant, or at a park. If you've got a large group of online friends who like to socialize together, consider creating a gathering where you can meet all at once. It is unwise to offer your home as the meeting place, or go to somebody's house when meeting them for the first time.