For millions of MySpace users the threat of being faced with online predators isn’t a large deterrent from the popular online social networking site. The website, which is currently estimated to be the fifth largest English-language website in the world, was founded in July of 2003 by Tom Anderson and Chris DeWolfe.

With well over 100 million users worldwide, it is no surprise that there have been a number of reported cases of sexual harassment. With no strict restrictions on who can use the networking site, it is very easy for anyone to become a member and begin adding friends whom they may or may not know personally.

It is very likely that we ourselves or someone we know have been approached by a stranger requesting to be a “friend” in the four years the website has been online. For some, it may come as common sense not to add people they don’t know; for others it is merely a game to see just how many friend requests they can receive. This game can turn harmful, even deadly, if the “friend” being added is in fact a sexual predator who now may have access to any personal information posted on the profile.

A safe rule of thumb, regarding posting information on a public website, is not to. Do not post any personal information pertaining to where you go to school, work, or what city you reside in; avoid posting anything which would make it easy for a stranger to be able to find you.

MySpace is a place to meet new friends and catch up with old ones, but always be aware that people are not always whom they appear to be. If someone chooses to meet someone from MySpace, always be cautious; remember to bring a friend and meet in a public place during the daylight hours.

As for myself, I do have a MySpace, and I have been approached on a number of occasions by strangers interested in meeting up with me. I always block those users whom I feel uncomfortable with and do not respond to any of their messages or comments, so as not to lead them on or encourage anything. I recently also made my profile private so that only my “friends” can view what I post and the pictures which make up my profile.

Making a profile private is a great way to deter an unwanted person from viewing anything that someone doesn’t want just anybody to see. Remember, though, that even if one’s profile is private, anyone can still see the default picture and location.

Finally remember, that when posting comments, pictures, “About Me” information, and anything else on MySpace, don’t post anything that you wouldn’t want your parents, teachers, or employers to see. Remember that MySpace is a public website and therefore don’t post anything that you want to keep private.