Human beings are social creatures by nature. As much as we think we'd rather be alone, people have an innate need to be around others. The Internet has provided a valuable tool that helps connect people, including those who would never have met otherwise. Therefore, it is not surprising that they are increasingly interacting with strangers. The biggest problem with this seemingly innocent phenomenon is security: is online communication with strangers really a safe practice?

There are many reasons for talking to strangers. This can be as simple as wanting to meet someone new, or as complex as the need to anonymously solve a serious personal problem. The influence of social media has destroyed many of the barriers and fears we were taught as children about communicating with strangers. Chatting with strangers is something internet users of all ages do, be they teenagers or adults.

How secure is chatting?

It is important to make sure that an attacker cannot take their actions off the website. Refraining from disclosing personal information, including phone numbers and emails, can help prevent any online bullying that you encounter online. Another thing that adults can learn from the internet safety guidelines for kids is to be very careful when posting photos. Photo backgrounds can inadvertently provide information that a potentially dangerous person can use to find someone. Most social websites allow avatar images to be different from the user's actual photo, and may even provide standard images that they can use.

If you follow sound online safety guidelines, most social sites can be a safe place for adults to talk to others about their concerns. However, you should still be careful when looking for a good place to find effective contacts and support; after all, when you are talking to strangers, you are just talking to a random person that you know little or nothing about.

Why do people chat with strangers?

The answer is simple: happiness! Humans are social animals, and the more friends we have, the better we feel, even if those friends have weak connections online. Avoiding visiting and meeting new people means isolating yourself from a prosperous society. The Internet provides new opportunities for satisfying this basic human need, and chat is becoming the “normal” way for people to communicate. When a person is isolated, they may miss opportunities, forget how to be polite and have a good conversation, and may even start suffering from depression.