How to pick the perfect screen name
Many people use internet cafesand the internet in generalto join communities of people interested in the same things as them, such as certain types of movies, books, or video games. This practice has gotten even more popular with the advent of social media sites like Facebook and Myspace. Sometimes, such as at online dating sites like OkCupid and eHarmony, people even post their interests and pet peeves in hopes of meeting someone to spend the rest of their life with. With all of these communities coming into existence online, it’s important to stay on top of how much information you are giving out, and to make sure that only people you know and trust can see your private information. Regardless of whether you’re looking for online friends or a soul mate, the most important goal is to stay safe onlineand that starts with picking a screen name for use on chat rooms, networking sites, message boards, and anywhere else you might meet other people.When you choose a screen name, you’ll want something that’s expressive of your interests but doesn’t reveal personal information. That means leaving out information like your name, your location, your initials, your year of birth, your school, etc. Your screen-name should also be inoffensive so it can be enjoyed by anybody you might meet on a social site. The most interesting screen names are often based around puns or using numbers in place of lettershowever, be careful not to use any numbers that have a specific connection to you. Instead, you might include a favorite animal, sports team, or band, or maybe even a short quote. The possibilities are endlessjust let your imagination run free, and the next time you go online, you’ll have a screen name that you can use confidently. Remember to follow other internet safety rules at the same time, and only talk to people who are following them as well, so that all your efforts at privacy are not in vain. If you truly do meet your soul mate online, there will be time enough for them to learn your name.