Most of the population seems to have caught the internet bug these days. Blogging, chatting, surfing, online dating, and sites to find old friends are the latest “in” things. Nobody who is, or wants to be, anybody will claim to be not addicted to the internet. Lack of time and differences in people’s schedules have forced most good friendships to shift and be limited to online conversations. Convenient though it may be, it has made relationships become impersonal and less real.

Though this might make friendships more fragile, the concept of chatroom dating is being seen as a blessing by the more tech-savvy newer generations. Not only is it convenient, but it also allows users to hide their real identity until they choose to reveal it. This technique of online dating also helps people who are shy and require time to get comfortable with someone. Not being face to face also takes peoples’ mind off appearances and allows them to focus more on conversation and getting to know each other.

On the other hand, being reckless while chatting, is a bad idea. One can get into considerable trouble if they fail to keep in mind the following things:

1) DON’T TRUST PEOPLE BLINDLY

Most people online are there just to have fun and are not looking for serious relationships. In 80 cases out of 100, people will bluff about themselves, their appearance and other details. Don’t take anyone too seriously at first.

2) DON’T REVEAL YOUR IDENTITY

Telling everyone you chat with your real name and place of residence is as foolhardy a thing as could be. You don’t know the person you are chatting to, at least not at first. See if the person you are talking to is trustable. Till then do what the others do – lie.

3) DONT TALK ABOUT YOUR BANK DETAILS

It won’t be the first time somebody got swindled online. Credit card details and account numbers are easy to misuse. Not only will your trust be breached, but you also stand to lose a lot of money. Also, don’t offer to help people you meet online financially, no matter how long you have been chatting to them.

4) DON’T SEND ANYONE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHS

This one is especially for girls. It doesn’t take a lot of skill to morph pictures or to simply put them up in the wrong places. No matter what the reason may be, be careful with your photos.

5) DON’T MEET YOUR NET FRIEND ALONE

As far as possible, meet at a public place. It will ensure your safety and you will also be more comfortable while surrounded by people. Meeting someone you hardly know in a deserted place can lead to a lot of undesired circumstances. Take somebody along if you can.

However good it may seem to be, there are always some drawbacks in everything. Enjoy the benefits of chatroom dating, but be vigilant all the same.