I can't tell initially....so I have to take a guess that someone seems trustworthy enough and see how it goes. Pretty much the same as offline, you only really know when someone is trustworthy when they show you how they are in the situation.

If you have good gut instincts, I’d trust those. There’s plenty of opportunities for interactions and banter in the forums, so I don’t really initiate any DM’s or the like.

You can't until you interact with them
Plus it depends what your looking for from the interactions
So go well
Some don't
Others are horrible
Just like life in general

Not to oversimplify, but how many old people do you think come here to catfish? It’s unlikely anyone in their right mind would market themselves as old. It’s just way too counterintuitive, especially if they’re looking to attract young female friends.

You’re probably safe to accept what you see at face value in most instances.

I ascertain it by vibes.

i give people things to do, like the 12 labors of hercules