One of the new dangers facing online
users is online dating. Over 40 million users utilize online dating
services around 2007 (http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=3285863&).
This influx of relationship seekers flooding the online community
can have serious negative effects on the online community at large.
It can be a major risk to people online giving out their personal
information, especially to people who might not be what they claim to
be.
According to Abcnews.com a Jeffery
Marsalis posed as a series of things; a doctor, an astronaut and a
spy. This man would lure women out, drug them, and even rape them
(http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=3285863&). Such dangers
facing people using online dating should make the public aware of
steps they can take to avoid such things from happening. Also
according to Abcnews around 20% of online daters post at least some
kind of false information about themselves. This might indicate that
besides being dangerous, the online dating community might just a
place that encourages dishonesty. It is fair to say that lying
occurs in the traditional dating scene but it just might be a little
easier on the online dating scene.
One step that potential victims can
take is to take the relationship slowly. Individuals should be
careful about meeting someone they met online too early. The more
information giving during chat might tip off someone to any potential
dangers and lies. One other step people can take is to meet someone
they meet online at a public place. This will create an atmosphere
that is safer and still gives the chance for a face to face meeting.
Finally a good strategy is trust your instincts. If something does
not feel right, it is probably a good best to avoid putting yourself
in a dangerous situation. Abcnews offers many different strategies
to avoiding online dangers that anyone considering or using online
dating can use to their benefit.
Works Cited:
“Online Dating Can Be Dangerous.”
n.a. http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=3285863&.
Web. June 16, 2007.
Nice blog Derek! I definitely agree that online dating can be very dangerous. One of the biggest reasons is one of the same reasons you stated in above: false information. Just in general it’s providing people with an easier way to lie. People on the other end of things don’t necessarily know what they’re getting into anymore, and this is especially dangerous when it comes to online predators using the dating websites to get another victim. Dating websites and other forms of social media provide online predators an easy way to gain information about other people. Also, it gives them an easy way to communicate with others. This is a growing problem that certainly needs to be solved quickly. Once again great blog, I really agree with the points that you made!
ReplyDelete