Online dating has become increasingly popular in recent years, but with it comes some risks. Not only are you opening yourself up to the possibility of meeting an actual murderer or sex offender, but there’s also the chance that your date might turn out to be too good to be true (and then rob you blind). These online dating safety tips will help you feel more confident and secure in your dates, whether they’re one-night stands or long-term relationships.
1) Trust your gut
It’s hard not to get excited when you feel like there’s an instant connection. It seems like you and your new crush might be a perfect match. But before you divulge too much information, remember that online dating is still online dating—even if you find yourself sharing super personal details with someone who appears super genuine, it’s worth taking some time to think about how safe (and how intimate) your new relationship really is. If you have any doubts or concerns, trust your gut. There are plenty of fish in the sea! And you can always try again another day.
My name is _______________, and I am from _______________ . I am a recent graduate from _______________ University where I received my degree in _______________ . My most recent job was as a _______________ at _______________ . My passion for technology stems from my early days as an avid programmer; ever since I wrote my first line of code back in high school, technology has been one of my greatest passions.
2) Put on a disguise
If you think that covering up or putting on a disguise will keep you safe, think again. You never know who your date is or what he’s capable of; just because someone seems nice and normal online doesn’t mean they are. Next time you go out with someone from an online dating site, be sure to wear something that is easy for you to take off quickly in case something goes wrong. Just remember to leave one item on—like a pair of earrings—so that if you need help after running away, people can identify you. Also, it’s always smart to have some cash hidden on your person so that if you do need to call for help after escaping an attacker, you can pay for it without having to worry about being robbed yourself. And even though it might not seem like common sense, consider bringing along pepper spray (or a similar self-defense tool) with you on dates. It could save your life!
3) Don’t show up alone
Always meet your date in a public place, like a restaurant or cafe, and never tell him/her where you live. If he/she wants to go out of town, always meet up with friends first—and make sure they know what kind of car your date drives. Also don’t give out your phone number right away; when he/she asks for it, give him/her a fake one. Lastly, if you feel uncomfortable at any point during your date, leave immediately and call a friend to pick you up. You can explain later that there was something wrong with that person—you were getting weird vibes or just weren’t feeling comfortable. Never put yourself in danger! It’s better to be safe than sorry.
[In addition] If someone tries to contact you through Facebook, check their profile before accepting their request. Look at his/her photos and see if anyone else is in them—if so, they might not be who they say they are!
4) Tell friends where you are going
Yes, it might be a date, but always tell friends where you are going and who you’re meeting. If something happens, at least someone will know where you were headed. You may think that it won’t happen to me or I don’t want to sound paranoid, but keeping your friends in loop is a necessary safety precaution that doesn’t cost much—and can save your life. So what if he/she doesn’t like it? Just say you have an overprotective friend! That should keep him/her from getting too upset.
Read up on his/her social media: If you’re going on a date with someone new, read up on his/her social media profile beforehand so you can learn more about him/her before actually meeting up in person. This way, there aren’t any surprises when you meet face-to-face for the first time. It also helps to learn more about their interests so that conversation flows more naturally during your date.
5) Do a quick check on their Facebook profile
It’s a great place to start if you want to see what kind of person they are. (If they are hiding their profile, that’s a red flag.) Even if they don’t have one, check out their pictures or try Googling them; most people put their names or pictures on their profiles when using dating sites. The more information you have about someone before agreeing to meet up, the better. You can also ask mutual friends for recommendations and even search for posts and comments they may have made online. If it doesn’t feel right, trust your gut—and go with another option. We’ve all heard about these catfish cases where an online romance is revealed to be something very different from what was presented at first. Don’t take anyone at face value, especially if you haven’t met in person yet. A little bit of research will help make sure your new love interest is who he says he is!
6) Beware of red flags
Before you agree to meet someone you’ve just started chatting with online, use your best judgment. Is he asking you out on a date right away? This can be a red flag. And if he’s asking for an in-person meeting right away, or repeatedly asks when you’re free for coffee (and then seems angry when you suggest another time), that may be a sign of trouble too. Remember: You are worth waiting for! Trust your instincts and take it slow. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t do it. If you have doubts about meeting up in person, trust them—it could save your life. There is no way to 100 percent guarantee your safety while dating online, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself. Take these seven tips into consideration before jumping into an internet romance. And remember: The only 100 percent foolproof way to stay safe is not to date at all. But since we know that isn’t realistic for most people, these tips will help ensure your safety while dating online—without giving up one of life’s greatest pleasures.
7) Have fun!
When online dating, it’s important not to take it too seriously. You’re looking for a date, not your future husband or wife. Make sure you’re meeting people in a public place (like a coffee shop or restaurant) and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Don’t give out personal information like phone numbers and email addresses until you know who you are talking with. And finally, tell a friend where you will be and when you plan on returning home. That way if something does happen, there is someone to go get help.
The Internet can be a scary place sometimes but with these tips you can feel safe dating online! Enjoy yourself! When looking for love, take precautions. Never share your full name, address or phone number until you are certain that it is safe to do so. Even then, never give out any personal information over email. Meet in person at a public location and bring a friend along if possible. Finally, tell someone where you will be and when you plan on returning home so that there is someone who knows what has happened if something goes wrong.