Today I read 2 different articles in different places, from two different people explaining they had lost trust in people due to different events that happened on the Internet.
I have unpopular views, one of which is that if women (or anyone else) are "Strong and Independent" we do not need special protection or special rules.
It is my job to not let people on the Internet harm me in any way, financial, emotional or physical. The Internet is after all the great equalizer. You can not over power me, you can not put your hands on me. If I feel I am actually at risk, I have some time. I have the ability to determine that your mean words are about who you are and have little to nothing to do with me.
It is MY job not to inflame creepy people, it is my job to keep my keys safe, it is my job to remind myself if you are mean that is about who you are and not about who I am.
Threatening violence on the internet is rarely a real threat, because most can't and will not reach me. If I think I am at risk, I would take real measures to stop it and protect myself.
Nobody will use nude pictures of me, because they simply do not exist. If you are sending photos around it is a matter of time until they are leaked. It is your responsibility and not mine, so don't go down that path and then play victim.
I don't give my keys out, I don't expect special help and I am capable of ignoring mean words.
Hey look, if you are vile, you are vile...Shame on you, but I still have to keep myself safe.
This is not to say others should be assholes, if you are picking on people online YOU'RE A JERK. However, I am mature enough to know there are scammy, bitter, mean, creepy people out there and it is my job to keep myself safe. Nobody can do it for me.
This is what Trustless means to me. I don't have to trust you... I have to trust me.
- Don't give out too much personal information.
- Don't escalate conflicts with crazy people, walk away.
- Don't send your keys to anyone
- Never assume someone is who they say they are
- Don't send ANY pictures out to anyone if you don't want them leaked
- If someone is acting unreasonable and saying unreasonable things quit engaging with that person
- Don't open links from strangers or open files that are sent to you directly
- If you engage in risky behavior you own the risks.
If you believe someone is going to bring an Internet Conflict to you in real life, contact the appropriate Authorities and seek help and shelter from real-life people who can protect you.
No one is ever totally safe, but knowing you are responsible for yourself is half the battle.
