Get informed : Love

It's a small world on the Internet! There are lots of advantages, like chatting with your friends or your partner right away, whenever you want to.

But are there risks, too? A few questions you might want to ask yourself:

• Do I know who I’m chatting with? Without hearing an actual voice, it’s difficult to know.
• Do I really know the other person? It's tempting to stretch the truth and tell white lies on the Internet...
• What about my safety? Be very cautious. Especially when you’re thinking about giving out personal information (name, address, telephone number, photo, etc.).
• Does someone know where I’ll be? It's always safer when you say where you're going.

Virtual love. It’s possible to fall in love on the Internet — even fall head over heels! But the person you think you're chatting with may not be the same as the real-life person! Here are a few hints to help you out:

• Virtual life vs. real life? What role does this virtual relationship play in your life? Is it keeping you from experiencing things in your “real” life?
• Why are you more comfortable talking with a partner online than face to face?
• Are you comfortable with the advantages and disadvantages of an online relationship? Of not seeing each other? Of not really knowing each other?

A site to visit:

Internet 101: Surfing safely.

This site have lots of information on the dangers associated with surfing the 'Net (instant messaging, webcam), as well as real-life stories and ways to keep safe.