Seniors beware

The Internet is an ever-expanding universe of knowledge, information and images.  If you have a question or need, there is probably at least a partial answer or solution for you somewhere in the infinite database online. In the last decade, cyber space has boomed and totally redefined how humans communicate, research, shop and live.
Although there are many good things about the Internet, like all developing technologies there are some dark, deceptive and ominous aspects to it.  In the recent weeks I have grown skeptical and almost nervous about any piece of information I receive strictly from the web.  
With less than a month until graduation, I have spent an incredible amount of time recently looking online for job opportunities and apartment vacancies in the greater San Diego area.  Like many college seniors, I am on the prowl for the perfect out-of-school job and a cheap, nicely situated place to live. With the help of free classified websites like Craigslist, there are multitudes of seemingly ideal situations.  However, with further research, it turns out that many of these "opportunities" are simply strange situations set up by shady people who have no intention of either helping nor employing anyone.  Almost everything I encounter just isn't for me or seems way too good to be true.  
Graduating from USD, although exciting, also makes me feel very vulnerable.  All of a sudden I am being thrust into the "real world" of worrying about health insurance, rent and finding a career.  As if figuring out life as an adult weren't difficult enough, I feel as though every job offer I follow leads to a dark and strange dead end.  I feel like everyone online is just trying to steal my identity or screw me over. I know I am not alone in this, so all I can offer is some words of advice and a little bit of warning.  
Instead of becoming a recluse and fearing technology, I have decided to take a deep breath and relax. Rushing into making plans and trying to take on too many things at once is overwhelming and might lead me down the wrong path.  My new approach to my job and apartment hunt is to continue to research, look for opportunities and put myself out on the market, while taking things one day at a time.
In the end, there is no reason to stress out over anything that will upstage the joy of the huge accomplishment of graduating college.  For those of you who are looking online, I urge you to have a discerning eye.  Follow leads that look promising, but ask specific questions and don't be satisfied with vagaries. Be skeptical, but remember that graduating college means you know something and you are worth being offered a great position.  There are many scams and fakers out there, but who knows what awesome opportunity might be  hidden amongst them!