Internet Safety
By DCMerkle
@DCMerkle (1281)
United States
January 8, 2009 10:51pm CST
Maybe I'm from the old school of internet safety, but I've noticed lately, because of web cams, that a lot of people are using pics of themselves as avatars. Maybe I should step up to the plate, but if we aren't supposed to give out our real names, address, phone or cell number, then why would you want others to know what you looked like? I like using images. It a fun way to display your alter egos.
DCMerkle
2 people like this
10 responses
@KatieDidit (989)
• United States
9 Jan 09
Darn, now you got me worried. Do you think I should change mine?
1 person likes this
@KatieDidit (989)
• United States
9 Jan 09
I do really think your discussion has merrit. And the girl with the parrisol is an avitar. I liked her because she seems fun and a little mysterious.
@Matthammer (385)
•
9 Jan 09
I think unlike our actual personal details name, phone, address etc, a picture is simply a time framed snapshot. I reckon someone would have a hard time finding you just using your picture (unless they are police with database and you are a criminal hehe).
@DCMerkle (1281)
• United States
12 Jan 09
matthammer,
In today's world, I could't imagine why anyone would want to have a real pic of yourself. I'm just concerned that as it has been pointed out further down in this discussion, that the pic could be used by someone else fur identity theft.
DCMerkle
@amitksing (1323)
• India
9 Jan 09
See, it depends from person to person. I dont believe in hiding my identity on the internet (but only to an extent). So, I use my photographs at most of the places (havent used it here on mylot though). I have no issues till I am doing nothing wrong.
@saundyl (9783)
• Canada
9 Jan 09
I like to use cute photos of things...cool objects, pets, scenery but unless its msn which is one i use with friends and family i know irl i dont use photos of myself as an avatar. It just seems to me like its just asking to be stalked...or something. I dont give out my full name or my phone numbers..and try not to mention where i live cause honestly...i'd be pretty easy to find in the size of town i live in.
@DCMerkle (1281)
• United States
9 Jan 09
saundyl,
That's exactly why I don't use a pic of myself. It's just asking to be stalked. I only use site secure places if I am going to buy something off the internet and my bank. None of my personal info do I give out at all, for any reason to anyone off the net. I use avatar images. There are millions of them out there to choose from. I can find one for any mood I'm in and any holiday. I think the web cams are nice if you are connected to friends or family, but not to chat with someone that you have met off the net.
DCMerkle
1 person likes this
@crimsonladybug (3112)
• United States
9 Jan 09
I use my Yahoo! avatar because I always think, "Wow, I look smokin' hot today, let's take a picture!" but no matter what the pictures always come out looking *blah* and I hate showing them to other people. 
1 person likes this
@mogutou (24)
• United States
9 Jan 09
I don't think it really matters that you put up a real picture of you on the internet. If you are lucky putting up a pic will help people that know you real life find you easier. As long as you don't give out info like your credit card number online you should be fine.
1 person likes this
@DCMerkle (1281)
• United States
9 Jan 09
I'm not too concerned about myself, but I'm thinking about the children that think it's cool to do. Teenage girls are primed to be stalked that way. How many weirdos out there make their judgement on a picture? A picture of a young teen girl just makes it easier for the weirdo to zero in on them.
DCMerkle
1 person likes this
@ersmommy1 (12588)
• United States
13 Jan 09
You have a good point. My children are my avatar. They are not grown, so I feel somewhat safe using them as my avatar. I started because my daughter got a kick out of seeing herself when she looked up.
@DCMerkle (1281)
• United States
20 Jan 09
ersmommy1
I know children do like seeing themselves and it's cool to do so, if it doesn't risk their identity. I found a tip, a common sense thing really, but the tip was that in order to keep your children safe was to not use their names on things like name plates on bikes, t-shirts, notebooks, lunchboxes, hats, just things that we think is cute. It would be like putting our social security number out there for all to see.
DCMerkle
@GAUCI123 (1042)
• Malta
9 Jan 09
I think it is true that using your photo cannot be safe. Maybe someone will copy your photo and the make a photomontage and resend it on the net, noone would like that for sure. I use pictures too as an aviator, it is more safe. The worst think for me is to put pictures of your children, for me it is very dangerous.
