Decalogue to enjoy contact apps
We need to talk about care, dangers, and tools to avoid putting ourselves at risk and connect with others with peace of mind.
Share
You've probably heard stories about arranged meetings via apps that turn out to be terrifying. A friend who was robbed, an acquaintance who arrived to find someone who didn't look anything like what they'd been told in the messages, or someone who turned out to be a thief. And not to mention the violence and re-victimization you experience if you need to report it. Unfortunately, these scams are more common than we imagine.
That's why we've put together this list of recommendations, tools, and tips so you can enjoy the event without having to stop using these apps:
1- The first thing is to know who we're talking to. For that, in addition to photos, it's helpful to ask for their social media accounts, WhatsApp, and other information.
2- Do you know what a 'Catfish' is? They're people who use fake photos and information on social media to deceive us. So, just send them their social media accounts; you have to verify that they're theirs.
3- Always let someone know what you're going to do and where you'll be. You can send the information or your real-time location to a friend and keep them updated on how everything is going.
4- Try to find yourself in public, busy places . If you're already familiar with them, even better. If not, check where they are, how to get back, transportation availability, etc.
5- If you're going to someone else's house or have visitors, make sure you know who's entering by asking for their social media and any contact information. Also, let your friends know. If you're going to have someone over, remember not to leave valuables unnecessarily loose.
6- If you're going to consume something—from a drink to a substance—try to make it your own. For example, if it's a drink, make sure they open it in front of you.
7- If you need to file a complaint, first seek advice from an LGBT+, transfeminist, and/or human rights organization. Don't go to the police alone; they often tend to revictimize you, aren't trained to help you, and may not even care and mistreat you.
8- If you want to share the incident on social media, you can share it without overexposing yourself. Often, we don't share these situations because we can be criticized and attacked on social media. You don't even need to share your personal information; objective and concrete communication is enough.
9- All of these tips are for enjoying our networks and connections , not for starting a punitive hunt, so it's very important to communicate responsibly.
10-This Decalogue isn't meant to scare us or stop us from connecting . It's meant to care for us as a community.
We are Present
We are committed to a type of journalism that delves deeply into the realm of the world and offers in-depth research, combined with new technologies and narrative formats. We want the protagonists, their stories, and their struggles to be present.
SUPPORT US
FOLLOW US
Related Notes
We Are Present
This and other stories don't usually make the media's attention. Together, we can make them known.