It Ain't Trickin' if You Got It

L: Ok, so isn't it crazy how social networking has become the number one way to connect, hook-up and flirt, etc.? LOL...Remember back in the day when being social meant actually being face to face, lustful, googly-eyed convo with a real person? And people you called friend were people you actually knew? When even an ol' skool hoe came face to face with a dude first? So K, imagine my shock to hear about these girls selling their goodies on Craigslist? Talk about socially networking LOLOL...According to "Dirty Cash", a special I watched on MSNBC, this is a new trend emerging especially among college girls who want to make some quick and dirty cash. I know it sounds really crazy, but I'm so serious. These new school companions are cyber-hoein' themselves by providing their phone numbers and other random info so they can be ordered and delivered as easy as cheap takeout. All that's missing is the two-for-one coupon.

K: Wow, L. I am flabberghasted by what you are saying to me. Not the part about prostitution. I mean that is the oldest "profession" in history, but more so by the choice to use Craigslist and maybe other cyber outlets to peddle skin for money. So it's like a whole generation of girls were not taught to be wary of strangers. All the warnings to not engage in promiscuous behaviour go unheeded. It is one thing to have cyber porn available, but meeting strangers via internet expressly to exchange sex for money. Man, I can just shake my head. But this leads to another interesting twist. If selling sex for money is dangerous via any medium but specifically via internet. What about internet dating? Wouldn't the same caution apply?

L: HECK YEA, I think it does apply. Truth be told, I always thought internet dating a bit suspect. Let's be logical...like without all the fluffy foofy faux romance depicted on matchmaking site's commercials showing these awesomely lucky people finding their "soulmates" and all because they checked all the right boxes on the form :) Snarky? Yeah I'm snarky! I mean, I get it. I realize that if they expose incidences with negative outcomes that may have occurred through use of their trusty, virtual matchmaking tool sales might fall off a bit. But to be fair, I do think these commercials should have some fine print, warning label or escape hatch. But what can you say...capitalism at its best, exploiting and preying on the broken and lonely hearts out there frantic they may never find the "one"...and no longer trusting their instincts throw caution to the wind and at the same time could be putting themselves in danger.

K: Everything appears to be of the instant,  "Add water and stir" variety. There is supposedly a common sense to meeting a person from the internet. Like meeting in person in a crowded place, etc. Even with that being the case, there is a real disconnect between meeting people in person vs. the anonymity of a cyber-manufactured persona. The real ad for the internet should be "Be whoever you want to be! We won't tell!" :-) Hiding behind technology so they don't have to be their true selves. Folks fall in love with your avatar, once they are invested it's the gotcha - gotcha!

L:  The scary part is that means even the craziest bird in the sky can hide behind that avatar and prey on some unsuspecting person.  I guess the morale to the story is, hold on to your head before you lose your heart and make sure you know who you're dealing with...face to face or online.  Keep it tight and safe ladies :)