It’s no secret that making friends can be difficult, especially as we get older and our lives become more intertwined with work and family. As a result, more and more people are turning to the internet as a way to make new connections.

However, like all things online, making friends in the digital sphere comes with its own set of challenges, dos and don’ts. Here are some essential guidelines to make your online socialization safe and fruitful.

Do: Use reputable platforms

One of the most important things to consider when socializing online is the platform you are using. Make sure that you are using a reputable platform that has a good track record when it comes to user safety.

There are many well-known social media platforms, such as Facebook and Twitter, that can be great places to meet new people. Alternatively, there are many niche sites designed specifically for people looking to make friends.

Sharing personal information too soon can put you in danger. Your phone number, home address, and other personal information should never be shared until you feel comfortable and trust the person you are talking to.

Be cautious when sharing sensitive data like your credit card number, social security, or bank account number.

Do: Join communities

One of the best ways to make friends online is by joining communities. Whether it’s a forum, a Facebook group, or a subreddit, joining a community of like-minded individuals can help you develop relationships with people who share your interests.

Not only can these communities help you meet new people, but you can also learn new things and share insights with others.

Don’t: Join random chat rooms

Chat rooms can be fun, but they can also be dangerous. Avoid joining random chat rooms unless you know the community you are joining. Unfortunately, there are many people online who pretend to be someone else and only want to harm you.

Avoid chat rooms that ask for your personal information or that seem to have a negative atmosphere.

Do: Be yourself

When it comes to making friends online, it’s important to be yourself. People are much more likely to befriend you if they feel they know the true you.

That means you shouldn’t pretend to be someone you’re not, nor should you exaggerate your accomplishments or interests to impress others. Be honest about your life and let others decide if they want to be friends with you.

Don’t: Be too eager or pushy

Being too eager or pushy can be off-putting to others. Remember that making friends online is a process that takes time and patience.

Don’t message someone repeatedly if they don’t respond immediately or if they’re not interested in chatting. Likewise, don’t force someone to talk about topics that they’re not comfortable with.

Do: Respect others

Respect is essential in any interaction, but it’s especially important when making friends online. Always treat others with kindness and respect. Use language that shows you are interested in their opinions and thoughts.

If you disagree with what someone has to say or feel they are wrong about something, try to do so in a respectful and polite way.

Don’t: Endanger yourself

Always prioritize your safety when making friends online. While most people you meet will be genuine and good people, some may have sinister motives. Avoid meeting someone you have never met in person in a private place.

Always tell someone you trust the name and address of the person you are meeting. If you feel like someone is not who they say they are, trust your instincts and cut off contact with them.

Do: Use video chats or phone tools

If you feel like you have made a connection with someone online and want to move the relationship forward, use video chats or phone tools to talk to the person.

Seeing or hearing someone’s voice can help you decide if you want to pursue a friendship or not. Plus, talking to someone over the phone or video chat can be a lot of fun.

As much as possible, avoid embarrassing others or partaking in embarrassing activities online. Photos or videos that showcase illegal or embarrassing behavior can become viral, and can damage others or yourself.

Posting things online that could be considered offensive or inappropriate may lead to someone reporting your account and ultimately getting banned from a particular platform or community.

Conclusion

Making friends online can be an exciting and fun way to meet new people and expand your social circle.

By using good judgment and following these dos and don’ts, you can increase the chances of making genuine friendships, practice safety and enjoy your online experience.