There's a lot of talk about internet safety, and young gay teens should pay particular attention! That's because according to an article published in American Psychologist:
Boys who are gay or are questioning their sexuality may be more susceptible to Internet-initiated sex crimes than other populations. Researchers found boys were the victims in nearly one-quarter of criminal cases, and most cases included facts that suggested victims were gay or questioning their sexuality.
Here are some reasons:
- Homophobia. Teens may be targeted for being gay.
- Feeling isolated and lonely. For teens who feel this way, meeting someone online who appears accepting or shows romantic interest can be so exciting that you throw caution to the wind.
- A false sense of safety. A lot of teens who would be more cautious on sites explicitly geared towards dating, don't exercise the same caution on sites like MySpace and Facebook.
Be careful, trust your instincts and remember that online, there are no guarantees that people are who they claim to be.
Another thing to think about is safety issues regarding setting up a profile online. It is really important to think about whether or not you will be open about your sexual orientation, if you want to use your real name, and what you will do if you are contacted by someone who makes you uncomfortable.
