The wonder of the modern age – getting to make long-distance friends with like-minded people — the Internet makes it so easy.  You are safe in your home, and it doesn’t matter where they are – London, Dubai, Paris, but you connect, and it’s great. This new “friend” has your same interests, and, because of that, you share unique thoughts and feelings with them that only a few people in the whole world might care about.  You feel like you belong and this new “friendship” increases your knowledge.

But I want you to know, you are entering dangerous territory. Electronically getting to know someone has great risks, so, when you enter that world, please think about what I’m about to say.

As a psychiatrist in West Palm Beach, I use Twitter, Facebook, Email, texting and cell phones, so I understand how electronic media works. Also, because of my work, I’ve seen how predators – sexual predators, murderers, rapists and pedophiles — have hurt some of my patients. I am aware of how dangerous the Internet is. (more…)

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