Alex's Story
The “Reel” Story: Online Gaming
- Alex thought that he could trust the people he met through his virtual gaming. He forgot that even if the people you meet online say they’re your friends, they’re still strangers in real life. You have no way of knowing what their true intentions are, or even who they really are.
- Online gaming continues to become increasingly popular as the games become more realistic and more interactive. Players can now speak to each other “live”, rather than just sending text messages. It also becomes easier to give out personal information, because you feel like you know the person you’re talking to.
- But it’s important to remember that the other gamers are still strangers, and you need to protect your privacy the same way you would when instant messaging. Here are some basic precautions to take while online:
- Online gaming continues to become increasingly popular as the games become more realistic and more interactive. Players can now speak to each other “live”, rather than just sending text messages. It also becomes easier to give out personal information, because you feel like you know the person you’re talking to.
- But it’s important to remember that the other gamers are still strangers, and you need to protect your privacy the same way you would when instant messaging. Here are some basic precautions to take while online:
• Never give out any personal information, such as your address, phone number, password or photograph. It is surprisingly easy for a stranger to track you down with even the smallest amount of information.
• Don’t share your account information with anyone, even your friends. If someone else goes on under your name and jokes around, they could alienate other gamers or result in your suspension from the game.
• Don’t be rude or insulting when you’re gaming online. Online games are a great way to connect with other youth and have fun, but if you behave badly other gamers can report you and you may be kicked out of the game.
• Don’t believe everything you’re told. Just because another gamer pretends to be your friend, he or she is still a stranger. Always remember that you have no way of knowing who is telling the truth on the Internet.
• Talk to your parents about what you do online, and invite them to surf the Net with you. They’ll be impressed by how much you can teach them about the virtual world.
• If you have concerns about things you see on the Internet, or think someone else might be in trouble, tell your parents or another adult you trust. If you see a problem, don’t be intimidated by others into keeping quiet – tell someone.
• Don’t share your account information with anyone, even your friends. If someone else goes on under your name and jokes around, they could alienate other gamers or result in your suspension from the game.
• Don’t be rude or insulting when you’re gaming online. Online games are a great way to connect with other youth and have fun, but if you behave badly other gamers can report you and you may be kicked out of the game.
• Don’t believe everything you’re told. Just because another gamer pretends to be your friend, he or she is still a stranger. Always remember that you have no way of knowing who is telling the truth on the Internet.
• Talk to your parents about what you do online, and invite them to surf the Net with you. They’ll be impressed by how much you can teach them about the virtual world.
• If you have concerns about things you see on the Internet, or think someone else might be in trouble, tell your parents or another adult you trust. If you see a problem, don’t be intimidated by others into keeping quiet – tell someone.
