Is it safe to meet friends online?

im 14 and really shy and dont make friends easily...is it safe to meet someonline...any safe websites??

Is it safe to meet friends online?
"Jeff", you need not worry about meeting people online, providing that you do so in a comfortable and secure setting. I say this because, quite frankly, it is hard to trust anyone online. This is not to say that doing so isn't safe, but nothing is guaranteed.





Perhaps you need to work on peeling off your shyness. Think about it: if you are shy to make friends in person, how will it be any different when you decide to meet someone from the Net? Right, Jeff, it won't be. So here's what to do:





1. Get to know yourself. Think about all the things you wish to do or want to be. What do you like to do? What are your hobbies? Interests? What ticks you off/ turns you on? (As a matter of fact, these are the same kind of questions those online meeting joints ask.)


This is a confidence booster. You need this to feel much more better about yourself--not to the point of arrogance, but a sense of pride nonetheless. You need to know yourself, other than the fact that you are shy. Once you have connected with the real you, perhaps you can use your shyness to an advantage...





2. Talk to people. With the confidence that you have, you won't feel the need to run and hide if someone thinks of you otherwise. So what. They laugh, they reject you, just move on. Because there is someone else out there that is willing to talk to you and get to know you.





3. Reflect, reflect, reflect. I did this thanks to the advice of a dermatologist (go figure). But it worked. It made me think through some of the things I did or said, how I felt, and how I would change it if I wanted to. This makes you become a better person, it builds character because you're not ashamed to say that you did something stupid or embarassing. Writing helps you think through your deepest thoughts and puts it on paper (or typing, if you so desire).





Notice how I haven't asked where to meet friends online? I feel that you can do so without resorting to such devices. But if you consider what I told you, then meeting people from the Internet will be just as good or less satisfying than doing so in person.
Reply:i have met three people on myspace we are good friends and hang out all the time now. i usually talk to them alot online before in person, and then when we do meet its in a public place i might even bring someone with me. i have also met a new friend havent met in person yet but this was at www.craigslist.com under strictly platonic
Reply:No and Yes. No mainly because there are way too many creeps out there trying to hurt young kids. But yes if you know how to handle yourself. By handle yourself I mean not giving out personal information, not meeting these people without being 100% safe, and making sure that those people are who they actually say they are. If you could stick to those guidelines, meeting people online is totally safe and tons of fun. Good Luck with everything. Hope this helps...
Reply:at any age its not at all.


but if you really want to make sure its in a public place, that your nowhwere near your house...and you should never go alone..


maybe you can ask your parents to go with you so you dont get kidnapped