I remember in school, there were lots of warnings of never everrr giving out aaaany personal information, including first name, because then the bad people will find you a do terrible things. That was ridiculous. That level of paranoia was unnecessary.

Jumping too quick into exchanging personal details is bad, but I don't have a problem meeting people from the internet. I've met more than 10 friends over the years, whether it be local, driving a few hours to them, them flying to me, or even me flying to another country to them. I've had an easier time making friends online, so why not meet up eventually? Hell, I found out about the job I have now from a person I knew online..

But I feel like with apps like Tinder becoming so popular, internet stranger danger isn't as much of a worry now to the general public. There are bad people that live close, too, so sticking local won't necessarily protect you from stalkers and the like.