[DocJohn]

Online communities such as ours are a great place to meet new people and make new friends. I encourage our members to do so through the site.

However, I do want to point out that -- just as in real life -- sometimes people can disappoint or betray our trust. So if you exchange personal information with another member here, or go off-community for your social conversations and such, there's nothing we can do if the friendship turns sour.

Be wary if another member invites you to another chat room that isn't associated with Psych Central, or wants to Skype or exchange personal information with you. If you don't feel like you know that member well enough to trust them, then be safe and play it conservatively until you do feel like you know them better.

Some members have found it beneficial to give out an email account that isn't their primary email account, just in case something goes wrong.

You shouldn't let any of this stop you from making friends here. Just be careful about your selection and sharing of personal information, as I would hope you'd do in real life.

Best,
DocJohn

[gayleggg]

Thank you, DocJohn. It helps develop our boundaries.

[healingme4me]

Thanks for the gentle reminder on safety. I'd recently attended a presentation on Internet Safety for parents. The risks have gone far beyond the basics of stranger danger and personal protection of financial information. With the recent discussion in rl on protection of your own self images from vengeful behavior and what's involved with the district attorney's office[presenter], it's wise to review how interaction is handled.
I agree, to blame any specific forum including PC seems reaching.

Sent from my LGMS323 using Tapatalk

Thanks doc.

[lizardlady]

Excellent advice Doc John! Thanks!