Tech Safety Tips On Dangerous People

A list of red flags to consider when you interact online.

3 min readMar 7, 2022

A red void symbols with a hand in a stop motion — Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

Welcome to part 2 of the Tech Safety Tips from a neurodivergent professional! Last week, the topic doxing was covered, make sure to check that out in the links below.

Safety online must be personalized. Some people overshare, others don’t share at all and sometimes people create an online persona. No matter what, you never know who is telling the truth and who is lying.

Being safe online means following your instinct and noticing the red flags that you may be interacting with a predator or unsafe person. Let’s go over some red flags that you should consider before continuing to interact with anyone online.

Red Flag #1

They are asking you a million personal questions. Engaging in a one-sided conversion that is solely focused on you is not good. If the conversation is constantly focused on your life that is a red flag.

This does not necessarily mean the person is a predator, but it does indicate a level of toxic behaviors. If you flip the script and ask them the same questions they send you, notice how they respond,

Red flag statements sound like: “Oh let’s not talk about me, let’s talk about you.” or “ I don’t share that kind of information with strangers.” Be careful if they know more about you and are never willing to share an equal amount of information on the same topics with you.

Red Flag #2

They only message you when they need something. This could look like emotional or monetary support. If you become the go-to person, but they don’t do the same for you, that is a red flag. Sadly, people will catfish and try to take advantage of people’s kindness.

Red Flag #3

They are constantly pushing your boundaries and ignoring you when you say no. This is not just a red flag, this is a giant sign that says RUN. A person that ignores consent, guilt trips, and gaslights you to get what they want is a predator. Even if the danger they present is not physical, the emotional damage you experience can ruin your overall wellbeing.