q INTERNET SAFETY
The Internet may be the world’s “information superhighway,” but like any highway, it has its risks. When you go online, you should keep these in mind.
What are the risks on the Internet, and how can you avoid them?
• Predators. There is always a risk that, while online, you may provide information or arrange an encounter that could compromise your safety. In some cases, pedophiles have used e-mail, bulletin boards, and chat rooms to gain a young person’s confidence and then set up a face-to- face meeting. Of course, you can’t tell whether the other person online is who he says he is—a “teenage girl” could turn out to be a middle-age man. BE CAREFUL! If you have reason to believe that something is wrong, call the police.
• Loss of privacy. When you enter information online, you’re giving up a bit of your privacy. At best, your name could wind up in some database to be used to sell you something now or later. At worst, the disclosure could be used to harm or exploit you. Just because a web-site seems to be operated by a reputable group or individual doesn’t mean that it’s what it is. Anyone—including creeps and criminals—can set up their own web-site. So be very cautious before saying anything online that you wouldn’t want to say in public. This is especially true with sites that contain adult material.
• Exposure to inappropriate material. Many web-sites are wonderful, others are dumb, and still others are threatening, racist, sexist, or violent, or contain false information. Some of these sites contain material that can be disturbing, even for adults. If you wander into any of these areas, leave the site immediately.
• Identity theft. Personal or financial information given out over the Internet can be used to charge your credit card or bank account, or to buy things or take out loans in your name without your permission. Never disclose this type of information unless you have initiated the contact and know whom you are dealing with. You may receive e-mails that appear to be from legitimate vendors or lenders that are actually sent by scammers trying to “phish” for your financial information. Delete those emails; do not reply.
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On Your Own, 2008 Edition
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