I don't think the Internet is a more dangerous place for interaction than RL (real life. It has its dangers, just like anything else. It runs the gamut of Mudcat at one end and seedy chat rooms at the other. RL has seedy s**t-holes and cozy folk clubs. Just be vigilant. In the absense of seeing other folk face-to-face, ask all the pertinent questions before you dive into relationships. Visit in a neutral place the first time you meet. I learned to do this when dating in RL, too. And I don't answer the door by immediately opening it when someone knocks either; I always ask who is there.

T