Spring Break
Internet dating tips keeps talk safe for those seeking love
Ken Kahle
Issue date: 12/7/05 Section: Entertainment
Online dating was once considered an eyebrow raising method of finding that special someone. Today it has become a legitimate way to meet new people in the endless search for Mr. or Mrs. Right.
Bulletin boards and chat rooms have replaced night clubs, and dating sites and personal ads no longer have the stigma that they once did.
Using the web to find your match has gained popularity, and unfortunately, so have the dangers and horror stories.
The anonymity of the worldwide web has afforded scam artists a new forum to prey on the unsuspecting, and has allowed perfect strangers to be anybody they think you want them to be.
The tricky part is that people want to believe they are going to find what they are searching for and don't want to believe someone might deceive them or play games. Many of us think we are "too smart" to be fooled, and it is that very attitude that can leave you open to a con.
Joe Tracy, publisher of the webzine, Online Dating Magazine, says there are a few pointers for internet dating, "Follow your instincts," he says. "If the person you're talking to seems too good to be true, they probably are, and this may be an indication that you should move on."
Never give out personal information, and set up an anonymous email account.
"Be sure to set up the account so as not to give out your full name," Tracy suggests. "Doing this helps protect your privacy more, as it's fairly easy to get information on a person based on their actual email address that they've used for years."
Another helpful tip comes from someone who has had first-hand knowledge of the methods of dating online.
Marty Heithoff is a single man in Chandler who has been using the Yahoo personals and chat rooms to seek a life partner.
"Usually the person who is out to take advantage of you is the one who initiates contact first," says Heithoff.
So even if you are a woman, you should take the initiative to communicate with the person who is of interest to you.
Bulletin boards and chat rooms have replaced night clubs, and dating sites and personal ads no longer have the stigma that they once did.
Using the web to find your match has gained popularity, and unfortunately, so have the dangers and horror stories.
The anonymity of the worldwide web has afforded scam artists a new forum to prey on the unsuspecting, and has allowed perfect strangers to be anybody they think you want them to be.
The tricky part is that people want to believe they are going to find what they are searching for and don't want to believe someone might deceive them or play games. Many of us think we are "too smart" to be fooled, and it is that very attitude that can leave you open to a con.
Joe Tracy, publisher of the webzine, Online Dating Magazine, says there are a few pointers for internet dating, "Follow your instincts," he says. "If the person you're talking to seems too good to be true, they probably are, and this may be an indication that you should move on."
Never give out personal information, and set up an anonymous email account.
"Be sure to set up the account so as not to give out your full name," Tracy suggests. "Doing this helps protect your privacy more, as it's fairly easy to get information on a person based on their actual email address that they've used for years."
Another helpful tip comes from someone who has had first-hand knowledge of the methods of dating online.
Marty Heithoff is a single man in Chandler who has been using the Yahoo personals and chat rooms to seek a life partner.
"Usually the person who is out to take advantage of you is the one who initiates contact first," says Heithoff.
So even if you are a woman, you should take the initiative to communicate with the person who is of interest to you.