A Personal Guide to Navigating Strangers Online

Hello wonderful people! I was thinking recently about how I befriend people online, and what I keep in mind what is okay to share and what isn't. So I thought I'd share my personal tips to staying safe online!

There are many amazing people on the internet, but there are also many dangerous predators and creeps. When saying anything to someone, always keep this fact in mind; If I post something, I acknowledge that it could get into the wrong hands. So always be careful!

Part A: Personal info

A crucial thing to note before telling someone online something is consider: What could they do with this information?

This always runs through my head before I post or message someone. If they could do something bad with the info or target you, then rethink it.

Most obvious example is your age and where you live. If I want someone to know the general region of where I live (just so they can know time zone or weather) then I vaguely tell them. For example, northwest america (not where I live, but how I would phrase it.) If I tell someone my age, I also do not tell them exactly. I may give a general range of my age, but I always keep it private. 

Part B: Who to befriend

I love talking to people online and learning about new places and being social. It is fun! But I also make sure to limit who I interact with directly. 

Anyone could lie about their age. Most people are truthful, but it is better to be safe than sorry. Someone could say they are in highschool and be truthful, and the easiest way to check is if they've posted pictures of themselves. If they have multiple, then it is likely them and not an image they found online. But don't go around asking for pictures! Many people avoid posting their face online, and that is perfectly okay too. If they post a lot about their life and normal teenage things, then they're usually trustworthy enough.

What if they do say they are an adult? I usually avoid all contact with them; however, on occasion, it is still fine to have a conversation or collaborate with them. Just make sure it isn't in direct messaging; a couple words may be fine, but DMs are where a lot of dangerous things happen to victims online. Not all adults are evil! Of course not. But you never know.

Part C: What to post

This may be redundant, but always make sure all the info in your post is completely safe. This information can be seen by quite literally anyone in the world. Remember that! Who would, or wouldn't you, want to see it? 

You can still post whatever you'd like. But who it goes out to is important to note. You can limit your blogs to private, or friends only; bulletins are also pretty safe because not only are they only visible to friends, but they also are temporary posts. (I love bulletins sm lol) 

Lastly, stick to your boundaries. If you don't want to share something, don't share it. If you are uncomfortable with a request from an online friend, tell them no. You are allowed to say no to people. You are also allowed to block people. If someone makes you uneasy, or even if you just disagree with them, you can block them! You have that ability and right. I cannot express enough how important it is to set boundaries, and if someone crosses a line, don't communicate with them. 

Stay safe online! Continue having fun online. Love u all