They can be fun, exciting, and extremely beneficial to your dating life.
To maximize your experience, it’s crucial to be mindful ofdating appsafety.
PsychotherapistKelly Scott, LMHC, points out that dating in itself opens you up to vulnerability.
“There’s a lot of physical and emotional vulnerability in dating,” she says.
Why is dating app safety important?
Online dating opens you to many unique people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
How do you stay safe while dating online?
Get familiar with your own comfort and discomfort levels.
Discomfort may not be a deal-breaker, but it’s a feeling worth exploring.
Don’t give people passes.
And while kindness and forgiveness are important, strangers shouldearnyour trust.
Try a video call.
Many dating apps have the option to do a video call right within the platform itself.
These video calls allow you to vet the person and avoid being catfished.
They’re also a great way to take some pressure off that first face-to-face conversation!
Don’t follow each other on social media or share phone numbers immediately.
This maintains a safe and healthy boundary while you get to know the person better.
Be careful about the pictures you share.
It’s important to build trust before you share intimate pictures with someone.
These people are essentially strangers, and you never know how your own photos could be used against you.
Never share financial information.
No matter what a person says, there is never a reason to share your private financial information.
If someone does ask for this information, report them and unmatch.
(Here’s our full list of thebest dating appsto try right now.)
eharmony
Read our detailed eharmony review here.
Here’s what our experts recommend.
Always meet in public places.
Go to a cafe, bar, or park where you’ll be around a lot of other people.
Avoid going on a hike or anywhere secluded for an early date.
Tell at least one close family member or friend where you’re going.
Before going on your date, let another person know where you’ll be.
Even better, enable location sharing to be extra cautious.
Stick to your alcohol limits.
It’s always best not to drink too much on a first date.
Doing so may put you in a compromised position in which your judgment may be impaired.
Know what your limits are, and then stick to it.
If you aren’t comfortable drinking, suggest another activity!
Arrange your own transportation.
Pay attention.
Scott emphasizes the age-old advice that people will show you who they are.
Common online dating scams
Online dating generally offers more good than bad.
Some scammers will ask for explicit pictures and then demand money in exchange for not sharing them.
These scammers typically take time to build trust with you to extract personal information.
Because of this, Scott says it’s important to meet someone in person sooner rather than later.
It’s far more difficult for someone to hide who they truly are in real life.
Again, be wary of people who avoid wanting to meet you in real lifeandneversend someone money online.
The text may say they’re asking you to verify your information, prompting you to snag the link.
It’s best to avoid clicking that link to begin with.
Do not share this information.
Match.com
Read our detailed review of Match.com here.
What personal information should you not share online?
To do so, keep conversations on dating apps light.
Avoid sharing financial information, your Social Security number, bank account details, or intimate images of yourself.
Our experts also recommended waiting to exchange phone numbers or social media accounts before you meet in real life.
FAQ:
Scott says it’s important to know your limits, boundaries, and comfort levels.
Don’t be afraid to investigate your feelings if you sense discomfort.
Remember, you never need to do anything you don’t feel comfortable with.
What are the red flags for online dating?
What are the risks of using dating apps?
According to psychotherapistKelly Scott, LMHC, “People’s hope clouds their judgment.”
That’s why she always recommends that her clients meet in person as soon as possible.
Prolonged contact online can also create a false sense of intimacy.
How do you stay safe on a blind date?
Think of a blind date the same as a first date with someone you met on a dating app.
You’ll want to meet in a public place and ensure that people know where you are.
Whoever is setting you up should be someone you trust.
“Essentially, they’re your insurance policy,” Scott says.
How do I stay safe on Tinder?
As with all dating apps, you’ll want to avoid people who have very sparse profiles.
“More is more,” Scott says about Tinder.
If you’re looking for a commitment, check out our guide tothe best dating apps for serious relationships.
