Today is the digital era and these days, more and more people are turning to the internet with almost anything. According to statistics, over 40 million Americans are using the internet to find love which makes online dating the new standard.
However, meeting someone for the first time always carries some danger, particularly if you meet them online. Whether you use Tinder, Bumble, or Match.com, staying safe should always come first.
In this article, we will discuss some crucial online dating safety pointers that will assist you in safely moving your relationship from the app to the real world.
Dos and Don’ts When Connecting Online Through Dating Apps
With all the dating apps available online, I am sure that you may already have tried one or more of these popular dating apps.
Dating apps are safe but of course, you still need to be careful and take the necessary precautions when using them.
Don’t Sign Up Using Your Social Media Profile
Most of these dating apps allow you to sign up using your social media profile. While it can be convenient to use your social media account, it is not advisable to do so.
The risk of sharing all your information without your knowledge is highly probable. Also, it will be easier for people to find you online or use the photos you’ve already shared. Hence, it is best to sign up manually and use a different account to protect your privacy.
Don’t Use Photos that Identify You Right Away
A single photo can already say a million things about you. When sharing your photo on these dating apps, make sure that it doesn’t include your house, your family and friends, the place where you work, or a place where you always hang out.
Use photos that are presentable and you are the only one on it. Avoid using photos you’ve already used as your profile picture on your social media account. A quick Google image search could direct someone to your social media account or verify your identity.
Don’t Link Your Social Media Account
Many of those social media accounts can link to your social media account on the app. This allows the app to profile you with possible matches.
While this may be what most people want to achieve, it is not a good idea to do such. Remember, that there is a big possibility that your account can be hacked and be prone to identity theft.
Do Some Digging
You can’t always believe everything in one’s dating profile. Therefore, when you already have a match, do your due diligence and do a bit of digging or research about who you are talking with.
This will help in verifying their identity so you will not be scammed or catfished. You may learn a lot about someone by asking for their social media handles and visiting various social media profiles.
Alternatively, you can obtain information about criminal histories or records by performing a basic background check. If their stories don’t add up or you can’t find them online, it may be a sign that they are lying about who they are and that they could be dangerous.
Do Adjust your Privacy Settings
You have complete control over who can see your location and other personal information, including your profile. To match with people before disclosing personal details, create a private profile so you can choose people who see it and those who can engage with you.
Do Set up your 2FAs or Multi-Factor Authentication
You can never be too careful when it comes to your personal accounts. A multi-factor authentication or 2FA allows you to secure your account and minimize the risk of getting it hacked or accessed without your knowledge.
Aside from the 2FAs, set up a strong password by using passphrases and a combination of alphanumeric characters.
Do Block and Report Suspicious Profiles
We know that there are many fake profiles and scammers online. If you believe a user’s profile is suspicious or they have behaved inappropriately toward you, you have the option to block and report them.
Often, you can anonymously do this either before or after you find your match. People can always lie about themselves, just like in any kind of interpersonal communication. When you sense that someone is not accurately expressing themselves, follow your gut.
Do Delete your Account When you are Not using the App Anymore
If you already found your match and think that you no longer need to use the dating app, it may be best to delete the app.
Before doing so, make sure to delete your profile first. If there is no option to delete your profile, replace it with a fake profile so that even if your profile shows on people’s feeds, you are not showing the real you.
Dos and Don’ts When Meeting in Person
Additionally, these are the things you need to do and not do when meeting someone in person.
Do Video Chat Before Meeting in Person
If this is your first time meeting them in person, think about setting up a video chat first. By doing this, you can ensure that your match is who they say they are on their profile.
If the person adamantly objects to a video call, that may indicate questionable behavior.
Do Tell your Friend You’re Meeting Someone
Send your friend a screenshot of the profile that you took while on a date. Tell your friend or two where and when you’re going on your date.
Inform a friend by text of your new location if you decide to continue your date somewhere else than you had originally planned.
Making plans to text or contact a friend halfway through the date or as soon as you get home to check in could also be beneficial.
Do Meet in a Public Place
When meeting your match for the first time, make sure that you meet in a public place that you are familiar with and comfortable such as a coffee shop, a bar, or a restaurant where there are other people around.
Avoid meeting in your workplace, or your home for your safety.
Do Trust your Instinct
Trust your gut when you feel uneasy, and don’t hesitate to end a date or stop speaking with someone who is making you feel unsafe.
Your date should understand that your safety is first, so don’t worry about coming out as impolite.
Don’t Ride with Your Date
Since this is your first-time meeting, it is best to arrange your own transportation to be free to leave whenever you want and not be dependent on your date especially if you already feel uncomfortable.
Avoid getting into a car with someone you don’t know and trust, especially if it’s your first meeting, even if they offer to pick you up. Have a ride-share app on your phone so you can book a ride anytime.
Make sure your phone is fully charged and has data, or think about carrying a portable battery or charger with you.
Stay Safe While Dating
Dating is a part of everyone’s life. People date because they want to find their partner in life. Hence, the reason why online dating is now one of the most popular ways how to find a match.
But while it is easy to use and very convenient, keep in mind that you still need to be careful when engaging with people you don’t know. Remember, that the people you meet online are still total strangers.
Follow the tips on this blog and always stay alert when meeting and talking to your potential “date”.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should my dating profile say?
When creating your dating online profile, make sure that you minimize the personal information you share. Use your first name or just a nickname to protect your privacy. Don’t use photos with your family and friends.
Refrain from uploading images from your social network accounts or other online sources to restrict the information that users of the dating app can discover about you if they perform a reverse image search.
What is the online dating 3 day rule?
The three-day rule states that you must wait three days following your date before messaging or calling them again.
This may still hold for conventional dating but in this age and time, the three-day rule may no longer apply. Online dating these days has a different approach. If you don’t respond in two days, your potential date may think you are no longer interested and will move on to another match.
What is a red flag in online dating?
Red flags in online dating include:
- Asking for financial help
- Using offensive or harassing messages
- Requesting for photographs
- Selling products or services
- Seems to have a fake profile
If you seem to experience this while talking to a potential date, stop communicating and best to delete and block that user.