Safety in the Online Environment

<blockquote>
This topic came up in a discussion a few days ago and I thought it would be worth revisiting.

I have been active online for a number of years. I've seen some very good communities and I've seen some very bad ones. I would rate this one as one of the good ones because it has a founder invested in the daily interactions as well as a team of moderators who are present to help you, not to mention -- a number of sincere participants who are seeking their own healing and assisting others with theirs.

Many of us are here because at some point in our life we were hurt, frightened, and forced to keep that a secret -- we were forced to protect others by sacrificing ourselves. It can take us a very long time before we can even begin to accept that we have worth too, that we are also entitled to protection.

Remember that -- You are entitled to protection. If you are being harassed, bullied or threatened by someone in this environment or anywhere in the online environment I would strongly encourage you to tell someone. Ideally, you should first approach a moderator or administrator -- do not engage in any further dialogue with the individual who threatened you. Most moderators care, they are there to provide assistance, and they want to help you.

Harassment and bullying is not acceptable in the online environment and may be considered the equivalent of a criminal act, even stalking in some jurisidictions. Therefore, for your own protection it's also wise to learn to temper your own responses. If you are feeling angry, it's sometimes better to get up and walk away from the computer.

In extreme cases, it may be necessary to press formal criminal charges. For this reason, you should never discard anything your harasser sends to you -- even if your first urge is to get rid of its ugly message as a means of self-protection. Secondly, tell someone about the abuse -- that helps to end the cycle for you and possibly for others too. Those who bully once, often bully more than once. By speaking up you may protect someone else.

Those seeking more information may find the following links to be helpful. Please do feel free to use them and to share them with others.<blockquote>[*] The Online Disinhibition Effect [*] wiredsafety.org: The world's largest Internet safety and self help group.[*] <a href="http://www.haltabuse.org/help/index.shtml">WHOA: What to do if you're being harassed online[*] Safety Ed Community</blockquote>

Maven, if by chance you're reading this post would you be so kind as to repost that link you shared the other day? It was an excellent one for helping individuals to understand what kind of information can safely be shared in the online environment. There is a balance between sharing your emotions and experiences while also protecting your privacy.

Much thanks to all readers, and do take good care of yourselves (and others) out there.

thank you very much, spiritual_emergency for the information. i appreciate your effort and support here.........xoxoxo pat

Great post, spiritual_emergency! Is this the link you meant?

TMI! How much information is too much information?

Additionally, Dateline has an "Online Safety Kit" where you can get more info: Online Safety Kit

I also recently found this link, which I may have found here, but I don't remember: WiredSafety

That's the link Maven. I thank you kindly.

What a well-written post! Thank you!