This article from Stuff.com.nz reports an increase in attacks against women by their newly met online dates. The report is coming out of Auckland, but it does bring up the issue of trust and online dating.

When you begin communicating with someone new online, how long do you communicate with them before you trust them? If you really think about it, despite the prior online communications, when you meet for the first time, you really are meeting a stranger. You have no way to know if they have been honest with you, or are a trust-worthy person. They have no way to know those things about you.

For many, the online world is a fantasy world that allows them to be anyone they wish – anyone but who they really are.

Regardless of how well you think you know your online date, for safety’s sake, use all the recommended precautions:

Do not give out your home address.

Do not give out your last name.

Do meet in a public place.

Do not go home with a stranger.

Do tell others where you will be and who you will be with.

Do stay in well-lit, public areas.

Have your own transportation.

Today’s Question: What does it take for YOU to trust your online date?