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Showing posts with label Online Safety. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Online Safety. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Social Networking Websites: Is It Possible to Find Love Online?

When it comes to finding a new romantic partner, things have changed. In the past relationships were largely developed through chance meetings, setups from friends, or from friendships that flourished into something more. Now, many men and women rely on the internet when it comes to finding a romantic partner. Are you interested in becoming one of those individuals? If so, there are a few important things that you should know first.

Perhaps, the most important thing to remember is that internet dating is not deemed one hundred percent safe. Although, it is important to note that no form of dating is. The person that you meet at the local bar could be just as weird or as dangerous as someone who you meet online, but still you are advised to take a few precautionary measures. These measures may include, but should not be limited to, giving out limited personal information and agreeing to meet an online date in a public location, not at your home. By understanding the importance of these and other precautionary measures, you should have fun using the internet to find a date.

When it comes to finding an online date or romantic partner, there are many individuals who flock to online dating websites. Online dating websites are websites that allow you to meet other internet users. You can not only view online pictures of these individuals, but learn more about them by reading their profiles and by making contact. Depending on the online dating website you are using, you should also be able to use other services and features, should they be offered.

Online dating websites are often referred to, well as, online dating websites. Despite the fact that they have obtained their own unique title, did you know that online dating websites are also considered social networking websites? When it comes to social networking websites, many individuals automatically think of MySpace or something similar. While these websites may not focus specifically on creating relationships, their purpose is the same. That purpose is to make it easier for internet users to connect with other internet users, especially ones that they share a common bond.

Although most online dating websites will allow you to contact any online member, you are advised to search for those that share the same interests as you. This may help to give you better luck in the love department. In addition to love, it is also possible that you could find an online friend that you have a lot in common with. This online friendship could be great, especially if the love part didn’t work out as well as you had intended it to.

As previously mentioned, you will want to be cautious when it comes to setting up a first date between you and your online partner. First dates are scary, especially when they are with someone that you have never met before. If you are concerned for your safety, you may want to join an online networking website or dating website that offers safe places for their members to meet. These places are often held in popular bars or night clubs on specific nights. In addition to parties where you can meet up with your online friend or partner, you can also find dating websites that have speed dating parties. If you are shy about meeting someone online, these types of get-togethers may be just what you need to break the ice.

If you are interested in becoming one of the millions of internet users who use the internet to find love, you will need to find an online dating website or social networking website to join. Most of these websites can be found with a standard internet search. In your search, you will likely see that online dating websites tend to charge monthly fess, whereas traditional social networking websites do not. If you are unsure as to whether or not you should pay the fee to join an online dating website, you are advised to ask for a free trail, if one is not already available. These free trials may prove helpful in determining whether or not the online dating website you are interested in joining is even worth your time and money.

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Parents: Why You Should Monitor Your Child’s Use of Online Video Websites

Are you a parent?

Whether your child is still considered young in age or if they are teenager, there is a good chance that they will be using the internet. In the past few years, a lot of focus has been placed on internet safety. Many parents, as well as teachers, politicians, and police officers, are concerned with the individuals who come into contact with children online, especially predators. Much of this focus has been placed on the monitoring of online chat rooms and social networking sites. However, as a parent, you should also be concerned with online video websites.

Online video websites, such as YouTube or Google Video, are known as websites that allow internet users to view the videos that are hosted on the site. Many of these sites allow free video viewing. What many parents are unaware of is that internet users can also make, upload, and share their own videos. As a parent, you will want to know whether or not your child is doing this.

Your child makes online videos, so what? Is that what you are thinking?

There is a good chance that it is because a lot of parents feel that way. Unfortunately, many are unaware of the types of videos that can be found online. Some online video websites prohibit videos that have pornographic materials, but besides that little restrictions are in place. In fact, there are some internet users who have decided to use online videos websites as if they were dating websites. Is your teenager one of them?

One of the first things that you should do is talk to your child about online video websites. Even though you may not want to alert them to these websites, there is a good chance that they already know about them. It may be a good idea to ask your child whether or not they have made their own online videos. It may also be a good idea to determine what the content of those videos are and where they were hosted.

When it comes to getting information from your child, especially teenagers, there is a good chance that you may get an inaccurate response. But, if you know that your child is making use of online video websites, you may be able to find their video or videos on your own. This can be done by visiting popular video websites, such as Google Video or YouTube, and performing a search. You may want to try searching for your child’s name, the town in which you reside in, or any screen names that they may have used. If your child has posted an online video, there is a good chance that you will be able to find it.

Whether or not you find an online video that your child has made, it is important that you emphasis on safety. It is perfectly okay, as long as you agree, for your child to view online videos or make their own, but they need to be aware of the consequences. It is important to let your child know how to stay safe online, especially when making their own videos to share with other internet users. Let them know it is unwise to include personal information about themselves, such as their full name, their telephone number, and their address. Be sure to emphasize the fact that online video websites are viewed by millions of people. This means that their video will likely get watched by people who they don’t even know.

If you are concerned with the way that your child is or may be using an online video website, you may want to take action. That action could involve having the websites blocked or just monitoring them. As previously mentioned, you have the ability to decide what is or isn’t right for your children. However, it is also important to note that a number of fun and educational videos can also be obtained online. If you plan on monitoring your child’s use of online video websites, you are encouraged to take a look at the sites with them. In fact, you may enjoy entertainment that you weren’t expecting to find.