Risks in Online Dating and Tips to Stay Safe

The current dating scene is not only exciting but also very interesting. With plethora of dating websites and dating apps that are now available for everyone, it has become a go to option for many of us who are looking to find meaningful relationships or just something casual. With the spread of dating sites and dating websites, there has been an entirely new world that has opened up. However, when you are using a dating app, it is important to be aware of the risks and how you can safeguard yourself from the risks.

Benefits of Online Dating

Before we look at the risks of online dating, let us look at the benefits of it. Online dating has become extremely popular in these in a few years and that too, for a good reason.

• It allows people to meet online and form relationships every day.
• It allows you to create a personal profile that is based on your preferences and interests. This gives you a lot of sense of control over your daily life and improving your opportunities as well.
• It allows you to meet people from every walk of life.
• The online daily app that you use can also be tailored according to your needs. This allows more flexibility and a wider dating pool.
• These days a lot of dating apps cater to different sexuality or gender identities, and this gives you more freedom to explore these aspects about yourself.

Risks of Online Dating

But along with these benefits, there are also a lot of risks that have to be taken into account when you are setting up an online dating account. The most common risks associated with online dating are:

1. Harassment- It’s very common for someone to get harassed on a dating website. Some people might take benefit of your availability and can threaten you or keep pursuing you even after you have told them that you were not interested. People on dating websites will also face a lot of pressure to send certain types of messages or videos that they do not want to, making it a mental and emotional harassment.
2. Catfishing and romance scams- One of the easiest way that people on dating apps can trick you is by catfishing. This means that they manipulate you into giving them money, gifts or personal details or intimate images or video that can later be used to blackmail you.
3. Privacy issue- There is also a major privacy and security concern when it comes to using dating apps or websites. Violation of your consent is a risk of using a dating website that is not secured.

Other risks such as cyberstalking stalking and discrimination are also a part of the online dating scene. As people start using more online spaces, challenges will follow, but the good news is that these risks can be easily managed with a few simple steps.

Tips to stay safe in Online Dating 

• Make sure that you stay on the app as long as possible

Scammers will often try to get you onto another platform quickly. They will ask you for your Instagram handle or WhatsApp number so that they can start talking to you elsewhere. However, we suggest that you stay on the app as long as possible as this gives you time to get to know the person and keeps your personal information safe. You can easily block or report the person at any time you feel unsafe. A simple red flag is when the person pushes you to switch platforms but does not want to actually meet you in person.

• Do not fall into any investment tips

There is a high probability that someone who is giving you crypto or investment tips is likely to follow it up with the scam. Report these interactions to the online dating website or dating app, and they can help you and others from such scammers.

• Never send your match money

If your match is asking for money for buying a gift, having food, custom fees, visas, family medical bills or an emergency, make sure that you are extra careful because this is a giant red flag.

• Trust your instincts

If you sometimes feel that something is off, or it’s too good to be true, trust your gut feelings and proceed with caution. If a person is making you feel uncomfortable or exhibiting suspicious behaviour, go ahead and end the conversation or block them.

• Protect your personal information

Avoid sharing sensitive information like your complete name, home address, phone number, or financial details in the first few conversations.

• Choose known apps or sites

Always and always choose a well-established dating website or dating app that is known for its safety and security. Go through the platform’s privacy policies and users reviews as this allows you to make a safer and a better judgment.

• Video Chat before meeting

Before you make plans to meet someone, try having a video chat with them. Verify their identity and get a better sense of who they actually are so that you can avoid potential catfishing scenarios.

• Arrange safe meetings

It goes without saying that one of the first step of getting into a trap is when someone suggests a shady place for the first meet. Make sure that when you meet in person, it is in a public place. Additionally, keep your friends informed about your whereabouts, get a picture of this person and their details to someone you trust.

• Be very careful of the photos you share on the apps

Compromising or explicit image should not be shared  as these photos can easily be used to blackmail you in the future. Hence,  be very careful.

• Be patient

As people are always rushing into relationships, they are ready to do or give more than what is asked for. So, take your time to get to know the person before meeting them or sharing personal information.

Remember that while there are some risks, YOU always have the power, or make decisions that will keep you safe. Safe dating websites such as iChooseU give you safety and privacy you need, making it a less risky choice.

Start your safe dating today!