Internet safety - OOPS!!

Finding that balance of being an open person online and at the same time protecting your privacy can be difficult. The internet world can be hazardous and many predators lurk in its water. However, there are a lot of good, decent individuals who frequent the same space. I normally don't give out my real name, phone numbers and home address. Beyond that, I'm pretty open revealing things about my life that I'm comfortable enough to be public knowledge. My two cents is that anybody who really want to track you down can actually do so with the many resources available online. So as in all things, a little common sense and caution is what you need to navigate the murky world of the net. Just constantly remind your daughter of the same things. I wish you a safe surfing day. LOL!

Oh, I know I've given away way too much information and would be upset with my daughter, opps she'd be upset with me too as I've shared some things about her too. I think the difference is maturity, and the fact is all anyone needs is your email address and they can track down your isp number and find a ton of information about you whether you share or not.

I try to be reasonably abstract in respect of the information that I give away, but of course it is so easy to make such mistakes. I have mentioned the town that I live in, the type of employment I have and possibly countless other things that I do not remember. I do not seriously expect any problems from this, but you are quite right that it is not a prudent way to behave.

Well, as have been online for many years now, I try not always to put my real info (if its not necessary) online. Even though seems those exposures wont do any harm.

well as long as inmportant information not show it in publicy it's ok.

Ummm...now that I think of it, I can say that I don't give much personal information...I just tend to give my opinion and I try that what I say is something constructive...:)

I have probably screwed up and given out to much info. I know I have in the past on one messageboard I use to post at alot. But the members were pretty close. On here I have given out my first name and birth date. Where I was born and what city I live in now.

Oops indeed! I'm guilty of all of the above! But what the heck, as long as you don't give out you bank/credit card details, address and phone number I think all of us that are guilty will be OK. lol Great discussion by the way!

I try not to give away nothing too personal. I have implied a couple of times that I'm married but that's about it. It can be very unsafe to give out so much personal information. I eve refrain from posting personal pictures here, I know the chances of identity theft or misuse of pics here is very less but still, I'm a little worried. I prefer to remain kinda 'anonymous' and not reveal my true identity.

I never give out my exact address on the posts so it doesn't matter if they know my kids names or ages and because they don't know their birthdays either...

if anything that gives you an idea how easy it is for children to get caught up in online relationships when as adults we find ourselves doing the same thing. I think you do have to be cautious online simply because when you don't know people apart from what they say online yuo can easily get a false opinion of them When you meet someone face to face it can be a bit easier to see if that person is an ok person or a bit strange and someone to be wary of. I try to be careful what I say, without I hope being paranoid about it.

Hi orcanut! i do happen to do the same too- i even open up topics that i can't even open up to my real life friends, but as much as possible, i limit myself to the concrete details like specific addresses and specific names, at least i know the identities are still safe- though situationwise in think i give out too much detail, but i really dont mind it that much, besides its good for the conversation, at least people will understand the situation further. I think being honestly open online is much easier for me because people dont really know me personally- its like when you call a help line and you tell them everything but your identity is still kept anonymous, but you still get to have the moral support and comfort that you need- Maybe i am a little trusty too- =)

I agree with you.You have to be careful while posting informations on the net.Try to keep your personal information safe and away from scam sites.This is a nice discussion you have started.