Let's be real – meeting strangers online isn't like the old days of AOL chat rooms where the biggest risk was someone asking A/S/L? too aggressively. Today's digital landscape requires smarter safety habits. But don't worry, staying safe doesn't mean you can't have great conversations. Here are the top tips to protect yourself while still having fun chatting with strangers.

  1. Protect your personal information. Your personal info is like your toothbrush – not for sharing. No matter how friendly someone seems, never give out your full name, address, phone number, workplace, or any details that could let a stranger identify or locate you. A good rule of thumb: if you wouldn't shout it in a crowded mall, don't type it in a chat.
  2. Choose a safe username. Usernames tell stories, so don't make yours a giveaway. JennyFromChicago1995 gives away way too much (name, city, birth year!). Something like WanderingStar42? Much better. Get creative – this is your chance to have fun with an alias. And never reuse a username that you use on other platforms that might be tied to your identity.
  3. Use a reputable platform. Not all chat sites are created equal. Stick to services like Chat With Me that prioritize safety. Look for features like real-time moderation, easy reporting tools, and clear community guidelines. These aren't just checkboxes – they're your first line of defense. Quality platforms invest in keeping users safe because their reputation depends on it.
  4. Be careful with photos. Think twice before sharing images. Photos can contain metadata (like location) and can sometimes be reverse-searched to find out where else they appear online. If you do share pictures, make sure they don't show identifiable details like street signs, school names, or your face (until you've built serious trust). Better yet, stick to fun avatars or generic images at first.
  5. Never send money to someone you just met. If a new chat friend starts asking for money – no matter how convincing their sad story – treat it as a giant red flag. Scammers are experts at playing on sympathy. If someone is pushing for financial help, that's your cue to end the conversation and report them for fraud. No exceptions.
  6. Take it slow before meeting in person. Excited to meet an online friend offline? Pump the brakes and plan safely. Always meet in a very public place (coffee shop, mall, etc.), preferably in daylight. Tell a friend or family member where you're going, and even consider bringing someone along or having them nearby. Better yet, do a video chat first to verify the person is who they claim to be. Trust your gut – if something feels off about the situation, it's perfectly okay to cancel.
  7. Don't click random links. That cool-looking link your new chat buddy sent? Resist the urge to click unless you're absolutely sure it's legit. Malicious links could phish your info or download malware. Good platforms like Chat With Me automatically filter suspicious links, but you should still stay vigilant. If someone sends you a link out of the blue (e.g. "Check out my pics here!"), it's safest to ignore or ask them what it is first.
  8. Keep chats age-appropriate. Most legit chat platforms have age restrictions for good reason. If you're under 18, stick to chatting with people close to your age – and if an adult tries to privately chat with you, be extremely cautious. Predators sometimes groom minors by pretending to be friends. Similarly, adults should avoid private chats with teens. If someone’s age doesn’t seem to match what they claim, or an older person is getting too chummy with a minor, end the chat and report it. Safety first.
  9. Remember your digital footprint. Even in an anonymous chat, determined people can piece together clues about you over time. Be mindful of the personal stories or details you share. Vary or generalize details (like say "I work in tech" instead of "I work at Google in Mountain View"). Avoid oversharing specifics about your daily routine, school, or workplace. The less you reveal, the safer you are if someone isn't who they seem.
  10. Protect your emotional well-being. It's easy to get swept up in an intense late-night chat and feel like you've known this stranger forever. Keep some emotional boundaries. Remember that people can pretend to be anyone online, and not everyone has good intentions. If someone you just met is pushing for deep emotional investment or trying to isolate you from others, that's a huge warning sign. Take breaks, keep perspective, and don't be afraid to step back if things get too heavy too fast.
  11. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA). If your chat platform offers extra security features like 2FA, use them. Two-factor authentication (requiring a code from your phone, for example) helps ensure no one else can access your account. It takes just a minute to set up and can save you from a world of trouble if someone tries to hack your account.
  12. Beware of “too perfect” new friends. If someone you just met online seems to share ALL your interests, agrees with everything you say, and is basically a dream friend... be cautious. Scammers often mirror your likes to gain your trust – a classic catfishing move. Enjoy the chat, but keep an eye out for inconsistencies. If they avoid video chatting or always dodge personal questions, they might not be who they claim.
  13. Keep your location private. Many apps will ask for your location or have features to find "people nearby." Unless you really need this feature, it's best to keep location services off. There's usually no good reason a stranger across the world needs to know exactly where you are. Save the location sharing for when you’re meeting up with someone in real life (and even then, be selective).
  14. Use strong, unique passwords. This one's not just for chatting but for all your online accounts. Don't reuse the same password on multiple sites. If one account gets breached, hackers will try that login elsewhere. Use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols, or better yet, use a reputable password manager to keep your login credentials secure. It's a simple step that goes a long way in protecting your privacy.
  15. Trust your instincts. At the end of the day, your gut feeling is one of your best safety tools. If a conversation or person starts feeling creepy, pressuring you, or just off in any way – end it. You don't owe anyone an explanation for keeping yourself safe. The beauty of online chat is you can close the window anytime. Prioritize your comfort and safety over politeness, every time.

The good news is that millions of people enjoy chatting with strangers online every day without any issues. By following these stranger danger precautions and using common sense, you're stacking the odds in your favor. Remember: the goal is to have fun making new connections, and a few smart habits will help ensure your online conversations stay positive, secure, and drama-free.