Not All Who Wander (Online) Are Lost

I label myself as an introvert. In typical circumstances I wouldn't put myself in a box like that, but I am a darker shade of introvert than extrovert. And I've realised as an introvert I've always found it more difficult to interact with crowds (sometimes even people in general) than I should. In a crowd I'm usually that one awkward person who just listens to everyone talking, but never quite finds an opening to offer something. If I don't find an opening in a conversation, I am not the type to make one of my own.
That is exactly why I've always preferred text based communication and have always found it easier to make friends online. It's just that the whole system of sending a message to receive one is without fuss, and hence you will find an abundance of introverts on the internet just like me. In fact, there's a good chance you'll find more introverts online than pedophiles.
But most parents and even friends can be overbearing about people meeting online, sometimes too much, but their worry is not completely unwarranted. There have been countless times that people have been stalked online and harassed with constant emails or messages. Some stalkers even go as far as to look up the home addresses and pay unwanted visits. Even if you do choose to talk to random people online, being a little safer than sorry is always in order. Here are some tips to keep yourself safe online:
* Never share your personal information with someone you've only just met.
* Not even with friends of your friends, especially if you've never heard of them.
* Always keep an eye out to see if they're consistent with their stories.
* Make sure you've at least seen your online friend's face before you do decide to meet up.
* Skype is a good service to check whether a person really exists or is just faking identities.
* Don't add Facebook accounts with no mutual friends or accounts that have only just been opened.
Online identity theft is prevailing, just as meeting new people online. Although the internet does provide a platform to communicate and reach out to people all over the world, like most things in life, it has a dark side; thus proving, moderation is everything. If you're befriending people online, remember to do it sensibly lest the “friend” shows up at your doorstep with a dagger, threatening to shave all his hair off if you don't willingly let him have your hand in marriage.
And as for me, next time I'm at an ice cream shop with my friends, I'll try to participate more or at least not start texting how awkward I feel when I don't.