Practice Safe Sext: Online Privacy and Safe Sexting
If you've decided to make the leap and find a hot new friend on LocalSexting.com, there are plenty of eager people out there who want to swap intimate pictures and chats with you. The question is: how do you keep yourself safe when meeting a new partner? There are a few online privacy guidelines you should follow to keep your information private and your secrets safe.
It's easy to keep your information secure when jumping into the world of sexting. Many of the guidelines are common sense, and similar to the rules for traditional dating. Just like grabbing dinner and drinks with a potential partner, getting into a fun, flirty chat relationship with someone is about trust. Here are a few guidelines to be sure you can trust the person on the other end of the line.
Profile Pro Tips
When setting up your profile, take care to obscure any information that could be used to identify you. Aim for a generic screen name or profile name that is unconnected to your personal information (such as your birthdate, profession, or college). Try for a screen name that reflects what you're looking for in a sexting partner, or what you have to offer without being too explicit, which can turn users off. Once you have a good profile name, make sure you have pictures that show you off without giving away too much. Avoid pictures with identifying clothing, address information, or other tidbits that a savvy sleuth could use to dig up your personal information.
Take It Slow
Once you have your profile in place and find someone who seems like a good fit with your desires, take some time to get to know the person. You can discover a lot by swapping chats with someone, even more by talking to him or her on video chat. Again, be sure not to reveal anything about yourself that could be used to identify your last name, address, or any other personal information. Even revealing a website you use or own can often create a trail of breadcrumbs back to you, so keep it light and general. Stick to topics you'd discuss on a traditional first date.
Kicking Things Up A Notch
If your text-based adventure is the first step in finding a real-life partner, meeting in person is the natural progression in your no-strings-attached relationship. When you decide to meet in the real world, there are a few ways you can be sure it's an enjoyable and safe experience in terms of information.
- Never reveal your address, and don't agree to meet up first at your home or place of employment. Just as in traditional dating, agree to a neutral place with lots of people, where you can get to know your new friend in due time and in a safe environment.
- Keep the conversation centered on your shared interests (naughty and otherwise) and keep the chat about your personal life out of the equation. There are two great reasons to approach an off-line sexting relationship in this manner. Most people engage in chatting or flings as a departure from their everyday life. Keeping your personal information off the books is a good way to maintain the thrill and mystery of your new tryst. More importantly, keeping personal information to yourself can prevent scenarios where your fantasy life seeps into your everyday affairs, both during the fling and after.
Trust Your Gut
Naturally, there are several red flags when meeting a new friend for intimate chats, video dates, or for in-person fun. Go with your gut. If you feel like something will come back to bite you, there's a good chance you're right. If the person begins to pry for information or subtly pressures you to talk, remember it's okay to pull back and slow things down. Certainly, if they ask for money, or express anything that suggests they may be mining you for your identifying info, such as social security or bank info, it's best to get out of the situation quickly.
By following some common sense approaches to online privacy, you can keep your private life safe, and enjoy the benefits of sexting with a new friend.