I can find so much about you in 5 minutes

Posted by Ken

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Okay, maybe I can’t, but a sexual predator can.

A sure-fire way to catch the attention of a sexual predator is to use a cutesy screen name like “foxy_girl”, “stud69″, or…well, you get the idea. Anything that can provide a little peek into your world will be found and possibly be used against you.

For example, as this article describes, a SP can find information about someone (perhaps your child) by looking at their online profile. What’s an online profile? It’s where users record information about themselves—information they want other users to know. Places like chat rooms have them.

I understand the need for profiles. We tell a little bit about ourselves in exchange for the possibility of finding other people that share a common interest. Trouble is, SPs capitalize on this information in a way that it was never designed for.

If you and I strike up a conversation in a chat room, and if you use a profile there, I can go check it out. Let’s say you have in your profile who your favorite bands are, and that you like sunbathing and dancing. Well, already I know you like public places, and with knowing your favorite bands I can make a connection with you: “You like Green Day, too! I saw them in Chicago last year…” Could be the start of a relationship.

And since I already have your username I can do a search in that chat room and find other posts. Maybe you use that same username at other sites where I might be able to find more about you. Get the picture?:shock:

So ask your child if he/she uses an online profile at the sites they visit. If they do, I believe you, as they parent, are justified in seeing what that profile says. Otherwise, if you ask them to change it, they just might “conveniently” forget to. Most places don’t require a profile or at the minimum they might require a valid e-mail address for them to contact you, which is a reasonable request. But you could get a free e-mail account easily and use it specifically for that site you visit.

Get involved with your child’s online behavior and show them that you care!:wink: