The following list of safety strategies has been proposed by same sex attracted young people who regularly use the internet to meet other people. The findings are from a research project conducted by LaTrobe University in Melbourne, called 'it's just easier - the internet as safety net'
Strategies for protection
A number of the people in this project had had negative experiences on the internet. However, they were not passive players in Cyberspace or victims waiting for a predator. When asked what strategies they used to protect themselves from hurtful or threatening situations they gave a long list of strategies, some of them more sophisticated than others. These are summarised below:
On the Net:
- don't give out personal information
- use a web-based email
- use the ignore command
- no emotional involvement on the Net
- no Net sexual attractions
- when feeling unsafe give false information and
- don't be gullible
These safety strategies are quite straightforward and need little explanation. People following these strategies are less likely to encounter harm. In some cases people did not follow the strategies. There were a number of instances where people's beliefs left them overconfident and perhaps open to abuse. One person for example insisted that "you can spot a freak in 10 seconds" and another said "you can usually tell when the other person is strange or weird by the way they respond online". It is possible that this type of overconfidence may compromise some people's safety.
Also, one person's strategies may not suit another person. For example, the last suggestion about giving false information for protection is the very reason why some young people felt uncomfortable communicating on the Net.
Strategies for safety if you decide to meet
The people in the survey also gave suggestions about safety when meeting someone off the Net. In many ways they had a well-rehearsed list:
- get to know the person on-line first
- meet in a public place
- don't have sex on first meeting
- if uncertain don't go ahead
- have safe sex (if you decide to have sex)
Many same sex attracted young people have met in cafés, theatres and other public places, often after having established a lengthy relationship over the Net.