Online dating is becoming a stable part of most stable relationships. Dating apps and sites are creating convenient ways for lovebirds to connect. It’s now common to hear a couple met through an online dating app on their wedding day.
Furthermore, developers are working around the clock to provide precise online dating options for couples. Nowadays, there is an online dating app for everything, from finding single parents to hookups, long-term relationships, friendships, and an occasional partner for a vacation.
But, the upsurge of these online dating apps is raising more safety concerns. Conversing with total strangers online and meeting them in real life is frightening. Moreover, stories of identity theft, kidnapping, ‘catfishing,’ and cyberbullying are skyrocketing.
What’s your safety measures when using these online dating apps? We take a look at some ways online users can ensure their safety while using these dating apps:
Is It the New Thing?
The online space is becoming a hub for our daily bread. Most get food, entertainment, medical help, friendships, and news online. What about a little dose of love from the online hub? It’s possible through online dating.
Recent research reveals that up to 53% of American adults between 18- and 29-years old utilize dating apps. Moreover, the unprecedented use of these apps elevates the market value of the online dating industry at an estimated $8 billion.
However, it’s not smooth sailing for these online dating apps marred with constant cases of online abuse, stalking, explicit content, and identity theft. More research shows that more than 45% of active online dating app users have negative dating experiences.
These concerns are a major stumbling block for online dating apps. Most developers are adding new security features to prevent any online safety risk for users. Unfortunately, some of these incidents continue to happen.
Even though we can’t do away with the milestones reached through online dating, it’s about users taking safety when signing up for these dating apps.
Why Choose This Route?
Late boomers grew up in a generation when a date meant sitting next to a person and conversing. The idea of meeting strangers online seems off-putting to most. But times have changed. Modern online dating is taking over and making interacting with new people easy and convenient. Here are reasons why you should consider an online dating app:
1. Filtering
The best part about online dating apps is filtering your preferred date. Most dating apps use advanced algorithms that connect you with people with similar interests and traits. Moreover, you get to view the profile of your preferred candidate and do a little detective work.
For first-timers, it’s difficult sifting through the jokers, stalkers, scammers, and identity thieves. But keeping a keen eye while browsing these profiles is highly recommended to find a genuine individual.
2. Convenience
The hectic schedule of most adults makes it difficult to find the perfect time and location for a date. Users can choose their preferred candidate by engaging them on the platform.
This is a vetting process to see whether they are genuine people before proceeding to a face-to-face meeting. Furthermore, you can easily block anyone coming on too strong or sounding ingenuine from the platform.
3. Wide Pool
Sometimes, dating in the same town gets boring while meeting the same people online. Expanding your dating network and exploring different people in other areas with these dating apps is wise.
These apps contain a geographic location of potential suitors. Therefore, you can easily connect with potential suitors with similar interests, backgrounds, and values nearby. You no longer have to worry about running into your ex at your favorite joint.
Online Safety 101 for Singles
Safety is your priority when downloading any online dating app. It’s wise to carry out due diligence before proceeding with the service. Here are tips to maintain your safety when using these services:
1. Select reputable apps
The market is full of online dating apps, including:
- Tinder
- OkCupid
- Bumble
- Zoosk
- Happn
- Plenty of Fish
- Her
- Feeld
Each dating app has a unique selling point to attract users. Hence, you must gauge these dating apps before downloading one. Similarly, when signing up for an academic writing service like ‘do my essay service, read online reviews and testimonials to get a hint of what you’re signing up for.
2. Keep Things Private
Revealing your physical address or contact details to strangers is a safety risk most users face. No matter the extent of your conversations online, don’t reveal your personal information to strangers online.
Furthermore, revealing this personal information to strangers exposes you to stalkers or unwanted contact. Even though some online users have genuine intentions, some stalkers can cause you harm.
Refrain from revealing these pertinent details until you establish trust with the other person.
3. Choose Verified Profiles
Most identity thieves use misinformation when signing up to these dating apps to lure in unsuspecting users. Catfishing is a common theme for most online dating apps where someone assumes another person’s identity.
Therefore, only contact-verified profiles are on these dating apps. These profiles contain relevant information about the person. A verification status means the person can affirm the identity behind the profile.
4. Red Flags
If an ingenuine passed the verification loophole, you can still identify them through normal conversations. These individuals often have inconsistent stories, excuses, lies, or aggressive behavior.
Always take negative encounters with online dating app users as a red flag. Watching out for red flags isn’t only about self-protection and keeping the rest of the online dating community safe. Report any suspicious activities to the app’s administrator for further scrutiny. Block these individuals from accessing your profile.
Last Words
The beauty of online dating is finding a reliable app with genuine individuals interested in finding partners. However, it means taking safety into your own hands to avoid falling victim to scammers, cons, identity thieves, and aggressive users. Adopt these tips to have a pleasant and worthwhile experience with dating apps.
