Simple Avoidance Tactics

• Be Careful Who You Talk To
  
  The greatest thing about the Internet is that you can talk to people you might never have been able to talk to in any other way.  Even if there's no immediate threat of physical danger on the Internet, you still  have to be careful who you talk to.   You don't have to be nice to everyone, you don't have to get into a  conversation with everyone who demands your attention, and you don't have to answer unsolicited e-mail, even if it's mail telling you how nice your Web page looks.  If you feel at all uncomfortable with the conversation you're having with someone online, you have every right to stop all communication.
  
• Be Even More Careful Who You Decide To Meet In Person
  
  Friendships and professional relationships you start online can be special, beneficial relationships. But it's very difficult to predict what someone is like in person just from some text, GIF or video of them.  Someone may seem normal on the phone even when they aren't.  Be extra careful when you bring your online friendships offline.  For your first meeting, bring a friend and/or meet in a public place.
  
• Stalk Yourself
  
  From your user ID to what Internet directories say about you--check all the information about you that could possibly be online.  Every time you put a piece of personal information into someone else's hands, you are giving them power over you.  Be careful where you send your real name, address, phone number, picture, or work history.   Think about whether you really want your full resume on the Web.  Every person has to weigh the benefits and risks and decide what personal information they want to put online.  The trick is to know what's out there and how to hide that information if you need to.

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