The Dangers of Being Creative Online 

So, you are a creative person

You like to make things, whether it's art, music, writing, or something else entirely. You are good at it, too. And you have decided to share your creations with the world online. 

Great! That is awesome. The internet is a wonderful place to share your creativity with others. But there is a downside. The internet is also a beautiful place for trolls and cyber stalkers to find you. 

What is a troll? A troll is someone who enjoys upsetting or annoying other people online. They might post mean comments on your social media posts, or they might even send you threatening messages. 

And what is a cyberstalking? A cyberstalker is someone who uses the internet to track you down and harass you. They might find your personal information and use it to contact you, or they might even try to find you in real life.

 

So, what is a creative person to do? How can you share your creativity with the world without becoming a target for trolls and cyber stalkers? 

Here are a few tips: 

1. Be careful what you share. Do not share your personal information online, such as your address, phone number, or where you work. 
2. Use strong passwords. And do not use the same password for multiple accounts. 
3. Be aware of your surroundings. If you are meeting someone you met online in person, meet in a public place, and tell someone where you are going. 
4. Do not engage with trolls. If someone is being mean to you online, do not respond. Just ignore them. 

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It is important to remember that most people online are kind and supportive. But there are a few bad apples out there. So, it is important to take some precautions to protect yourself. 

And if you do become a target of trolling or cyberstalking, do not be afraid to reach out for help.

There are organizations that can help you deal with this kind of harassment. 

So, go forth and be creative! Just be smart about it