FAKE Friends on the Internet and Social Media

I’ve been on the internet for the past 20+ years. When I first got online I was only web surfing, shopping and doing emails. After a few months I had stumbled into an AOL chat room and started chatting with other people I met online. Over the decades…only 1 of those people I’m still in contact with today. 

Fast forward….We now have social media sites, interactive online games, more chat platforms, etc. There’s all kinds of different ways for you to meet people whether you’re looking to make new friends or to find a companion. The ways to meet others online are endless!

With that said…you need to be aware that you’ll come across a lot of FAKE people online. By FAKE…I mean people who want to use you for one reason or another. They may be befriending you to get money, to scam you in some sort of way or just people who are online looking to BULLY and harass other people for no good reason other to get their jollies off. Seriously, there are users and FAKES out there!!!

Over the decades I’ve met all kinds of people online and some of have been terrible experiences. I’ve been harassed and stalked on social media sites…bullied through online gaming platforms and all sorts of other things. I was doxxed once and then harassed by phone too! It can be a very ugyly world out there when you’re dealing with people who hide behind a keyboard.

When making friends online…you need to tread carefully. Don’t be overly-excited to make a new friend. Limit the information that you give to them…especially early on. Yes…you can make some true friendships online but you can also experience a nightmare too! Be cautious and take your time…no matter what!