Many people are talking about Manti Te’o Thursday, wondering if being duped about his ‘girlfriend’ was real or a publicity stunt.
But the dangers of online dating are very real.
This type of thing is so common that MTV has dedicated an entire show to this. It actually tells stories of people who date on Facebook and get duped.
The show "Catfish" on MTV is a good example of what could have happened to Notre Dame Heisman finalist Manti Te'o. He allegedly dated a woman online, who didn't seem to exist. She was his motivation.
“If it transpired for a year, I would think he would be able to pick up on the legitimacy of whoever he was corresponding with,” believes Jeff Evans.
But would he really? Dozens of people on the MTV documentary style show ‘Catfish’ are duped all the time.
Some have relationships on Facebook for years only to find out the person who they love-- is not who they think they are.
“That's not Facebook, that's, and I'm not sticking up for Facebook, but it's a tool,” explained Ellen Wargo. “It's the people who were behind it that's where society has a problem.”
The host of the show "Catfish" tweeted, “I am working on finding out more about this story. I have been in contact with the woman involved and will get the truth."
Some say dating online has its dangers. After all, people can be whoever they want to be. But one woman says it's simply a sign of the times.
“It's crazy to me, but I do know that younger people, it's very different for them today than it was for us growing up,” said Jane Mannon.
When it comes to keeping your kids safe online, police say you should never post your personal information. Also, parents should monitor what their kids are doing
For adults who date online, police say just use common sense. Don't ignore red flags, for instance someone you're dating online who never calls or wants to meet you.
But the dangers of online dating are very real.
This type of thing is so common that MTV has dedicated an entire show to this. It actually tells stories of people who date on Facebook and get duped.
The show "Catfish" on MTV is a good example of what could have happened to Notre Dame Heisman finalist Manti Te'o. He allegedly dated a woman online, who didn't seem to exist. She was his motivation.
“If it transpired for a year, I would think he would be able to pick up on the legitimacy of whoever he was corresponding with,” believes Jeff Evans.
But would he really? Dozens of people on the MTV documentary style show ‘Catfish’ are duped all the time.
Some have relationships on Facebook for years only to find out the person who they love-- is not who they think they are.
“That's not Facebook, that's, and I'm not sticking up for Facebook, but it's a tool,” explained Ellen Wargo. “It's the people who were behind it that's where society has a problem.”
The host of the show "Catfish" tweeted, “I am working on finding out more about this story. I have been in contact with the woman involved and will get the truth."
Some say dating online has its dangers. After all, people can be whoever they want to be. But one woman says it's simply a sign of the times.
“It's crazy to me, but I do know that younger people, it's very different for them today than it was for us growing up,” said Jane Mannon.
When it comes to keeping your kids safe online, police say you should never post your personal information. Also, parents should monitor what their kids are doing
For adults who date online, police say just use common sense. Don't ignore red flags, for instance someone you're dating online who never calls or wants to meet you.