I always find it a blatant insult to my intelligence when people use the "you don't know who you're talking too"-argument. First of all, I think you notice fairly quick when someone you're talking to is genuinely interested in you or just wants...something else.
Plus it's very easy to make sure who you're talking too: ask them to turn on their webcam, and to prevent it from being pre-recorded ask them do wave at you or something (plus I think you'll notice irregularities anyway, like person on cam isn't typing but things are being said to you, or the other way around).
Also, I think the amount of people on the internet who are just looking for a friend far outweigh the peole with bad plans.
Of course, you still need to stay sharp and take some basic precautions, I agree, but there's a difference between being cautious and being paranoid.

As for internet love itself: I think it could be possible but you can never say for sure until you've met that person in real life. Not just because some people pretend to be tougher etc. on the internet, but everyone is at least a little different in real life (and sometimes even cooler!).
I've actually met up with a lot of people that I met online, since the Netherlands are pretty small and I live somewhere in the middle, so it's pretty easy for me to meet up with other dutchies. A lot of them have become good friends that I see every few weeks.
I've never got into a relationship through the internet though.

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Anyone can have a 'silver tongue' on the Internet. I couldn't behave in real life, in the fashion that I do here.

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The belief that you would be able to tell what someone wants from you is a nice sentiment and very idealistic, but not realistic. It is easy to say that now, but until I was actually put in such a position, I cannot comment as to whether I would or not. The problem is many people overestimate their 'sixth sense' when it comes to stuff like this. Everyone thinks they can spot things like this, but whether they actually can is a different matter entirely.

I wouldn't say it's being paranoid, but rather suspicious. I have a natural suspicion of people I don't know or have not had many interactions with. I got that from my family; which is composed of several cops and ex cops.

I'll say again: never underestimate the criminal element. They are very creative in what they do. There is a very long list of cyber predators that the Feds still haven't caught that have been around for a while. I'm just saying exercise caution with internet relationships. If you believe someone is a predator, report them to either an FBI agent (in the US) or an Attache Agent (in a foreign country).

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Where the hell is Matt?

Discovery: Boom Dee Addah Boom Dee Addah

Everyone's a little bit racist

Unfortunately for me, I'm a jackass in real life too.

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Heaven sends me here to you
And if a-you fear you've reason to
Open up all seven seals
The beast is come to claim the youth

Well, someone has to do it. Might as well be the best there is.

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Where the hell is Matt?

Discovery: Boom Dee Addah Boom Dee Addah

Everyone's a little bit racist

Heheheh. That isn't the way I meant it, bro.

I meant it in reasons I'd rather not mention on a public forum.

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its much to easy to lie and give all the right answers people are looking for over an asynchronis medium, aka, the internet.

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One of the Grandpa's of gaming. Original Gamer (OG)

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I say it isn't really until you met the person in real and you're sure about your feelings about them. After that, about if it works or not, well all depends on both. That's how I feel about it anyways. With my bf living thousands of kms away... It is like that. I wouldn't brake up with him for any guy here. I love him that much and I'm willing to wait till I'll be with him again, even though it's hard.

i don't believe internet love is true.
it is completely pointless and means nothing.
usually it's just some pervert bugging you anyway.

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Ah, so young, and so naive.

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