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Balancing what you share online

Balancing what you share online is challenging. Sometimes we forget that the Internet is full of predators. A crime haven.

The Hey days

When the Internet was introduced to the world it was a fun place to visit. I joined the Internet community in 2000 after spending some 2 years before that visiting the local Internet cafe once a week for an hour or so. Being able to spending more time on the Internet from my own home was such a treat. The Internet opened up a whole new world. I do remember though than even then there were trolls out there.

One time

Many people had their own website (before social media and cell phones) and so did I. Being very naive at the time, I posted some personal info. The very next morning a guy contacted me through e-mail and started to harass me. At first I ignored it and then he told me in no uncertain terms that he knew where my Mother lived. He proceeded to expose her real address. I couldn’t believe it. That info was not on my website. The same evening my Mother phoned me and told me that a creepy man phoned her and asked about me. It scared the living day lights out of me. I then deleted everything and closed down my website. Since then I am weary about what I post online.

Fast forward

Twenty odd years later we still have the Internet and also social media and cell phones. The risks of online participation are now greater than ever. It is human nature to want to show of our children, our home, garden and more. However balancing what you share online is so challenging. One thing I do is to never share my location. I also do not share loads of personal photo’s of me or my family. Once it is out there it is subject to abuse. This balancing act is something I still struggle with. Sometimes I wish there was something like an Internet Police because the trolls and criminals have a free reign online. They very well know that they will never be caught and held accountable. While I still enjoy the Internet and everything it has to offer, I am always weary about what I post online.

What have your experience been like online? Share some tips with us.