Those aspects of the Web are mostly annoying. What's truly frightening are the numbers of people who prey on teens in chat rooms and other online venues. To stay safe, never to give your full name, address, telephone number, school name or location, schedule, password, or other identifying information when you are online. If you've struck up an online friendship and your e-pal wants to meet, ask your parents first. If they say it's OK, arrange to meet in a public place, maybe with your mom or dad along until you see that your friend is who he or she is supposed to be.
Internet fraud is another increasing problem.
Because you are sitting alone at your computer you may assume that your actions, whether researching a topic or e-mailing a friend, are anonymous. But that's not the case. It's always possible for someone with the right tools to find out where your transmission is coming from and even who you are. That's another reason to keep mum about details that could be used to identify you personally, and to be extra careful with credit card numbers and other information that could be stolen.