It’s always a good idea to keep a few security measures in mind when meeting someone new, whether online or in person. Users of dating apps are not subjected to criminal background checks; thus, it is up to them to decide whether or not they feel safe meeting up with someone they met online.
It’s crucial to understand, though, that it’s not your fault if you’re sexually assaulted or harassed when dating online or using an app. Here are some tips for staying safe when using online dating apps and services, whether you’re interacting remotely or in person. They’re not a guarantee, but they might make you feel safer as you swarm through a sea of scumbags to find the one.
Table of Contents
1. Choose An Online Dating Service With A Good Reputation
Source: unsplash.com
You must choose a service that respects and protects your personal information, provides features tailored to your needs, and has an extensive database of members similar to the type you are looking for. Some online dating sites are geared toward aged people, while others host young individuals in their twenties. Some are founded on faith, while others are focused on the pursuit of a passion.
Read the company’s privacy statement carefully. You only want to utilize a service that will never disclose your personal information with anyone else on the site unless they have your express consent. It would help if you also stayed away from any service that sells or shares your data with ad agencies or other businesses.
A dating service’s popularity is a good measure of how satisfied its members are and whether you can rely on its services. As a result, check user reviews and compare platforms based on different aspects. Most websites provide one-month free trials so that you can acquire a feel for the service. You can also consider searching for evaluations and comparisons of the websites you’re considering on the internet.
2. Wait Until You Are Sure
You’ll definitely come across some online dating profiles that say things like “Not seeking for a pen buddy,” or “If you don’t want to meet up, swipe left.” While it’s crucial to meet potential partners in person eventually, don’t feel obligated to do so unless you’re entirely comfortable.
Don’t be ashamed or pressured if you want to wait longer—the perfect person will give you the time you need to feel completely at ease. If you are looking for a new partner, you can chat here and find someone who might be the love of your life.
3. Maintain The Confidentiality Of Your Contact Information
Source: unsplash.com
There is a distinction to be made between being cyber savvy and being cyber secure. Your potential match will try to research as much about you as they can. They might come across your workplace address on LinkedIn, your address in an Instagram post, or your phone number in an internet advertisement.
Never include personal information in your profile, such as your address, phone number, or email address. Make sure to keep the information you share on your other virtual platforms to a minimum. Set all your social media accounts’ security settings to private and never allow an app to share your location.
4. Investigate Potential Suitors
It’s crucial to double-check that your suitor is who they claim they are by looking at their other social media accounts. Perhaps their dating profile picture is the same as their Twitter profile picture. Most social media platforms like Instagram don’t vet their users, and you might find some fake profile trying to catfish you.
You can also check to see if they’re utilizing a phony photo of a model or celebrity. Use reverse image search on your phone or copy the profile photo of a prospective match into your PC’s Google Images search box. To validate the photo’s provenance, Google will search for it using facial recognition, landmark identification, and photo binary data.
5. Be Wise When Meeting Offline
Source: unsplash.com
Choose your meeting spot carefully if you’ve clicked with someone and want to meet in person. Never meet at a location where they may readily find you again, such as your house or place of work, and never choose an isolated spot. If your date presses you to do otherwise, you should end the date right away.
Tell a roommate or friend who you’re meeting, where you’re going, and when you expect to return home before going on a virtual date. Consider making a “safe call,” in which a buddy calls you throughout the date to ensure that you are comfortable. Instead of relying on someone you met online for a ride home, always drive yourself to and from the date.
6. Don’t Be Afraid To Block And Report
Respectable dating sites will encourage their users to report any suspicious behavior. Aggressive or unlawful activity is not tolerated on all dating websites, and you can report inappropriate texts or behavior. Most dating sites allow you to block a specific user if your interactions with them make you uncomfortable.
Leave if your chat, date, or encounter makes you feel uneasy or raises red flags. You have the right to leave without explaining yourself, apologizing, or responding to a follow-up email. If you don’t want to communicate with someone, most dating services provide an option that allows you to ban them from contacting you.
7. Take It Slow
Source: unsplash.com
People rarely regret taking extra precautions when making crucial decisions, but we all know someone who has regretted acting too hastily. Keep an eye out for inconsistencies; with more experience, you’ll be able to notice them and understand if something doesn’t add up. While the individual may be a good match for you, keep in mind that trust and trustworthiness are also important predatory tactics. Anyone worth dating will allow you the time and space you require to feel confident in your decisions.
Conclusion
Please call your local law enforcement office if you ever feel intimidated in any way, whether online or offline. Most people have positive online dating experiences as they manage to find “the one.” Nevertheless, there are two sides to a coin, and negative encounters can get in your way of having a fantastic experience. Therefore, staying in charge, protecting yourself, and having fun are all aspects of online dating that you must weigh carefully before making a decision.
