ONLINE FLIRTING: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Online flirting also called internet or virtual flirting refers to flirting online, in chat rooms, and on social media forums.

There are two basic types of internet flirting;

• One where you know the person 
• One where you don’t know the person

Internet flirting feels pretty different from in-person flirting because you don’t have the help of body language to send messages or to monitor reactions. You have to do everything through typed words and icons. 

Still, the basic rules are the same: as you interact with someone, you exchange views, experiences, and jokes.

 If you start feeling some sort of connection, you slowly try to get closer, always making sure the other person is okay with it. 

In the virtual world, getting closer usually means more frequent interaction and discussions about more personal and intimate topics

Sometimes closer interaction involves switching from a chat room to a one-on-one conversation. Other times it could involve leaving the virtual world and meeting in person a step that could expose you to some serious risks such as rape

Keep in mind that the anonymity offered by the internet can be a powerful weapon in the hands of criminals looking for victims. 

Some sick-minded people pretend to be teenagers or young people seeking friendship and once they gain a person’s trust they try to arrange a face-to-face meeting. This can spell danger

When you are online, never give out personal information that can allow someone to locate your home.

You can never be sure who is really on the other side of a digital conversation. 

Why do people flirt online? 

The internet provides an opportunity to virtually meet as many people as you want without the need to reveal your identity. 

This opportunity appeals to people for various reasons:

People who are shy and have a hard time opening up with others find a lot of comfort in the anonymity offered by the internet. 

The fact that nobody knows the real identity of the person on the other side of the conversation helps remove the fear of being rejected, embarrassed, or judged 

People feel less need to change their behavior or personality in order to please others or to be accepted. 

Shielded by anonymity, people are free to invent new personalities or to reveal parts of themselves that they don’t show their real-world friends and they can test how others react to these characteristics