I feel like the internet has really been ruined. I grew up in the age of good internet and I still want to use it to make friends and romantic partners but, that time has passed. The internet is filled with crazy trolls; and users.

All the stories I see in here are true.
- at one point I had a blog and someone made it her personal mission to "unmask" me in real life and when she couldn't do that she spread crazy rumors about me on the internet. I do not know what inspires some people but I believe her anger was at the idea that somehow I would make money off the blog, which, I didn't. I suspect she didn't like what I was saying and wanted to get back at me so her will on the internet could be restored.
- don't even talk to me about online dating, I am convinced they are ALL scammers.
- When I try to sell something on Facebook or offer up... all I get is scum that are trying to scam me. There is no one legitimate who wants to buy my product and 1/2 the time they are just trying to lure me out and rob me.

On a lower level I find a lot of message boards to be "ruled" by obnoxious people that do not want discussion... they just want their rule. They come in, take over, and just rude enough to make you feel bad so the *moderators* won't discipline them. And suddenly you are silenced.
I have noticed when I send in an inquiry to like "home advisor" that information goes to a lot of people who shouldn't have it... fly by night places... and I do not want some former criminal who is a "handyman" getting my name or address that way. So now I just lie about everything BUT my e-mail which gives no information away.

Finally if anyone wants you to e-mail them instead of talking via the internet portal.. don't do it. E-mails contain in meta data your IP address which can identify where you are from and also... what your provider is. Over time.. with enough information they can get your name and address. There are some ways to mask this but you have to be aware and take precautions.