Chapter Five. Step 2: Don t Tell People More Than You Should


Chapter Five. Step 2: Don't Tell People More Than You Should

Kathy came from an upper middle-class family near Toronto. She had a master's degree in finance and a rewarding job as the assistant manager of a local bank. She enjoyed reading and movies, and played tennis with her friends every weekend.

Sadly, Kathy's husband Roger had died five years before of cancer. Her nine-year-old daughter, Carrie, had been the joy of their lives, coming as she did in Kathy's late 30s. In fact, it was Carrie who suggested that her mom try blogging as a way to help her work through her grief after Roger's death.

Kathy found that she enjoyed the social networking activity of blogging. She had set up her blog to be available to the public and had organized it around three main themes: her husband's death, how she was dealing with her grief, and her personal likes and interests. She found that many people had similar interests and personal experiences and sympathized with her.

How could this therapeutic outlet put her at risk? Suppose one day Kathy notices that entries from a man named William are especially appealing to her. He seems to like the same books and movies, and because his wife died a few years earlier, he understands her loneliness and how hard it is to lose a spouse. Eventually she might give William her e-mail address. She might find she looks forward to receiving his messages.

This could be the start to a wonderful new relationship, or William could be a con man who preys on the loneliness and vulnerability of widows. One day she might get an e-mail from William saying that he wants to meet her in person. Kathy might unknowingly agree to meet a complete stranger who is targeting her because of what she revealed about herself online.



Look Both Ways. Help Protect Your Family on the Internet
Look Both Ways: Help Protect Your Family on the Internet
ISBN: 0735623473
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 2004
Pages: 157
Authors: Linda Criddle

flylib.com © 2008-2017.
If you may any questions please contact us: flylib@qtcs.net