Is It Safe to Make Friends Online?

We asked our members: Is it safe to make friends online? Here’s one thoughtful response.

Making friends online is always risky business and without the right knowledge and skills in social media, these friendships can sometimes take a turn for the worst.

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So, without further ado, here are some tips on making friends safely on social media.

Always ask a friend: If a new friend request pops up in your inbox and you don't know who they are, ask a friend because chances are they probably know them.

Look for mutual friends: Nowadays, most social media sites (like Facebook and Instagram) show how many of your friends follow a particular person (also known as a ‘mutual friend’). Mutual friends make it easier to gauge whether or not it is the best idea to become friends with someone via a social platform.

Connect via Snapchat: On Snapchat, you can actually see a real-time photo of the person you are talking to, with time stamps to make sure that photos weren't taken from camera rolls and edited. This means less confusion, as you are able to get a clear picture of exactly what the other person looks like. Stay wary, though: It doesn't mean Snapchat is impossible for fakers to use.

(Editor's note: It's also worth pointing out that Snapchat's 'Snap Map' feature is a bit creepy. Here's what you should know to stay private.)

Look for a bit of information: Most people would be surprised by just how much you can find out about someone just via social platforms. Now, you don't have to turn into a computer hacker overnight, but a small sweep over their socials and a search of their name in Google Images should probably be alright. (For this same reason, don't upload anything to social media you wouldn't be comfortable having someone else find.)

If you don't feel right about it then don't accept: If you’ve done all of the above and you are still unsure, don't press accept. You are your best judge and it is important you don't doubt yourself when it comes to your safety.

Social media will always be risky business, regardless of what you do. It is important to always be putting your safety first when meeting strangers online. If something isn't feeling right, always talk to a parent/guardian or a trusted adult about any of your problems.

Keep socialising and stay safe!

Congratulations to Maya for winning this week's writing challenge: Is It Safe to Make Friends Online? Maya wins a $50 Westfield gift card for her submission. For your chance to win, check out our latest writing challenges in our Competitions section. Also, be sure to follow this guide on how to win the writing challenge!

Photo: iStock.com/PeopleImages