That's the problem with society, we're all too apprehensive of strangers, we're conditioned to believe that people we don't know are out to hurt us. And that's really not the case. Even online, so many of us are frightened to communicate because we're all under the impression that we're speaking to paedophiles or Nigerian scam artists.
I'm not saying you shouldn't be careful on the internet. Of course you should. The movie "Catfish" and subsequent programmes show just what can happen as a result of misuse of trust on the internet. These people have established relationships with individuals who turn out to be someone extremely different. It's scary to think that you could be chatting with someone who isn't who they say they are- to even develop feelings and strong emotional bonds with a 'character' that's been created.
But what I want to say is that you have to be incredibly naive to fall for some of these people and their stories.
Seriously, if you haven't had a chance to "see" the person, whether they say because their webcam is broke, or they're ill, or just can't for whatever reason- you probably should have some doubts. I remember, at the age of 12, talking on MSN to someone who had added me. They told me they were older than me, probably 15 or something. I asked to see them. They instead showed me a "picture" of themselves. And you know what I done? I googled "cute boy" (or something to that effect) and the first image was his picture. I then proceeded to ask why they lied-"I didn't think you'd like me"- and so I blocked them. If a 12 year old has the foresight to do that, why are people still getting fooled?
I think a lot of it stems from seeking attention. They crave some form of affection, and these people are providing them with it. They could be lonely. Or perhaps their stories are just really convincing. I understand that it might be hard to know if a person is being dishonest. We don't automatically assume people are lying, so we take what they are saying as the truth. It's sad, really, that we can no longer do that.
But like I said, I don't want people to be scared of strangers. Yes, children should be advised of the dangers of the internet, but unless they learn that not everyone is out to touch them inappropriately, it's just not fun. It annoys me when people assume you meet someone online that they're automatically a paedophile. It's ridiculous. There are nice people out there. Strangers can become friends. As long as people are a little wary of what could happen, maybe being a little more vigilant than normal, then there is no reason why you can't establish friendships.
I just think a lot of people arefucking stupid.
Also, go watch "Catfish" because it is pretty entertaining to watch.
But what I want to say is that you have to be incredibly naive to fall for some of these people and their stories.
Seriously, if you haven't had a chance to "see" the person, whether they say because their webcam is broke, or they're ill, or just can't for whatever reason- you probably should have some doubts. I remember, at the age of 12, talking on MSN to someone who had added me. They told me they were older than me, probably 15 or something. I asked to see them. They instead showed me a "picture" of themselves. And you know what I done? I googled "cute boy" (or something to that effect) and the first image was his picture. I then proceeded to ask why they lied-"I didn't think you'd like me"- and so I blocked them. If a 12 year old has the foresight to do that, why are people still getting fooled?
I think a lot of it stems from seeking attention. They crave some form of affection, and these people are providing them with it. They could be lonely. Or perhaps their stories are just really convincing. I understand that it might be hard to know if a person is being dishonest. We don't automatically assume people are lying, so we take what they are saying as the truth. It's sad, really, that we can no longer do that.
But like I said, I don't want people to be scared of strangers. Yes, children should be advised of the dangers of the internet, but unless they learn that not everyone is out to touch them inappropriately, it's just not fun. It annoys me when people assume you meet someone online that they're automatically a paedophile. It's ridiculous. There are nice people out there. Strangers can become friends. As long as people are a little wary of what could happen, maybe being a little more vigilant than normal, then there is no reason why you can't establish friendships.
I just think a lot of people are
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