Great Tips for Socializing Online
I am one to admit, I get the need to do some serious “me-time” at home once in a while, but at the same time wouldn’t hate a bit of company. For days that you feel like staying in without feeling alone, thank God for the internet. With the rise of technology comes the advantage of communicating with people more conveniently.
Socializing online is not just a “thing” anymore it is part of our daily lives. This is why it is important to understand and remember these three crucial tips in socializing online.
Want to Meet New People? Try Going By Your Interests – You can meet many different people from all walks of life through the internet, the most obvious ones are social or matching sites and chat rooms. My suggestion is to skip the general social matching sites – if you want to meet people online, you have to think of it in the real world sense and start with your interests. Find an interactive website that give you information and activities on what you like to do, so you can find people with the same interests, without the lengthy and detailed profiles to fill up.
Sharing with Your Circle? Don’t Get Too Comfortable. Socializing with people you already know or are acquainted with may make you too comfortable for your own good. Just as you should think before you speak, always remember that there are consequences to the things you post online, as they will always be a representation of you and can remain on the internet for years. Always review the privacy setting and security terms of all your online portals. Do not use the same password for all sites, and if you will, make sure to change all of them regularly. Even photos shared with close family and friends can get out to the public, so make sure that you trust the people you want to bring into the discussion.
Forming Bonds? How to Get Personal. It is inevitable to form bonds and relationships in an environment that banks on communication. When you are comfortable enough to really share your life’s stories and details with someone, try to do it in a more direct and personal manner. If it’s people you already know it is best to say it in a phone call instead of writing it on their wall. If you’re ready to meet real life or internet acquantances, or reconnect with old friends suggest to meet in a public place and have a quick catch up instead. Create a safe environment. First meetings should be short, done in a public place, at a busy time of the day. Make sure someone else knows where you’re going and who you will be meeting. If any form of suspicion of fraud arises, even at the slightest, walk away and report this to the website where you are interacting.
Whether it is a a new acquaintance, an long trusted friend, or somebody you barely know, you must remember that your online presence is an identity that is not separate from your real world self. Because socializing online has gotten so casual and routine to our lives, this is something that a lot of people forget when socializing online, which can be dangerous. This is why you need to make sure that you approach it with smarts and caution at all times.
