In today’s digital age, online dating has become a common way for teenagers to meet new people and explore romantic relationships.
For many teens, although their circle of friends may be larger than their adult counterparts, it might be awkward for them to engage in relationships with mutual friends o classmates, taking into consideration the negative fallout that might ensue should the relationship end or sour for either party.
With that in mind, many teens turn to websites or apps to help them connect with other young people who might be further removed from their social circle, keeping their love lives and social lives separate.
While it can be exciting to connect with others online, it’s essential to prioritize your safety and well-being. It is very easy to fall victim to catfishers and love scams, and this is something not exclusive to young people navigating the strange new world of online dating for the first time.
For adults and elderly, even those who are not seeking romantic relationships online, they are still liable to fall victim to love scammers hiding behind a screen.
In this guide, we’ll explore tips and strategies to help you navigate the world of online dating safely. Hopefully, by keeping these tips in mind, your quest for love online can be pulled off successfully!
1. Choose Reputable Platforms:
When selecting an online dating platform, opt for reputable websites or apps that prioritize user safety. While it might be exciting to try a new app or website that just popped up on the digital marketplace, it might be wiser to stick to apps or websites that have been around longer.
Look for platforms that offer features such as profile verification, moderation tools, and reporting systems for inappropriate behaviour.
When using these websites, it is important to keep an eye out for the age range setting. Try to keep your settings towards people around your age group- not only will you be more likely to meet someone you have more in common with, but keeping your age settings close to your real age can be the first step to filtering out predators with unsavoury intentions.
2. Protect Your Personal Information:
Be cautious about sharing personal information such as your full name, address, school, or phone number with people you meet online.
When setting up your dating profile, try to stick to just your first name. This gives you a level of privacy and ensures your safety when chatting with strangers online.
If you are looking to move off the app to chat further, avoid giving out your phone number right away. This is because your phone number can be used to find other social media accounts that belong to you, even if you haven’t shared them online.
Instead, consider using a platform like Telegram, where a username can be shared among acquaintances, but phone numbers can remain hidden in your privacy settings.
Keep sensitive information private until you’ve built a level of trust with someone, and even then, exercise caution.
When selecting public photos to put on your dating profile, try to select photos with nondescript or public backgrounds. Be careful to ensure that no personal information can be seen in the background of your perfect selfie. Do not select photos that overlook the view from your room, unit or block number. These photos might make it easier for stalkers to discover your location.
3. Trust Your Instincts:
Listen to your gut feelings when interacting with others online. If something feels off or uncomfortable, trust your instincts and take appropriate action.
Don’t hesitate to end conversations or block users who make you feel uneasy.
If the person consistently asks for personal information without sharing any in return, it might be a cause for concern.
Keep an eye out for other suspicious behaviour, like not wanting to share photos of their face, or using fake images from Google.
Other suspicious behaviour might include asking for money or gifts or asking to meet out of the blue at a private location.
When arranging the first meetup with someone you have met online, always meet in a public place like a cafe or a mall to ensure the safety of both parties.
4. Verify Identities Before Meeting:
Before agreeing to meet someone in person, take steps to verify their identity. This may include video chatting or talking on the phone to ensure that the person you’re communicating with is who they claim to be.
Even if the person you are communicating with sends you frequent selfies, they may not be using images that belong to them. With the rise of duplicate Instagram accounts and AI image generators, it is always good to try and arrange a video chat before meeting up for the first time.
Always arrange to meet in a public place and let a friend or family member know your plans. Let someone close to you know where you are meeting, and be sure to inform them if plans change.
5. Set Boundaries and Stick to Them:
Establish clear boundaries for yourself when engaging in online dating. Communicate your boundaries with potential matches and respect theirs as well.
It is good to make expectations clear early on in the conversation so that neither party gets led on as the conversation and relationship develops.
If someone crosses your boundaries or makes you feel uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to assert yourself and end the conversation.
Do not feel pressured to exchange information or images that you are not comfortable sending or receiving. If the person does not understand your boundaries or is not respectful of consent, it is a clear indication that the conversation should be terminated for your safety.
6. Be Wary of Red Flags:
Pay attention to red flags that may indicate potential risks or concerns. This could include someone who pressures you to share personal information, exhibits controlling behaviour, or makes inappropriate advances.
If you are unwilling to engage in certain activities, whether online or in person, state a clear “No” as a show of non-consent. If you feel unsafe or are worried that your consent might violated, find a safe way to leave the situation immediately.
Should you feel like you are still at risk of harassment or doxxing, reach out to a trusted adult or the relevant authorities.
Trust your instincts and take action if something doesn’t feel right.
7. Report Inappropriate Behaviour:
If you encounter any form of harassment, bullying, or inappropriate behaviour while using an online dating platform, report it to the platform administrators immediately.
Sometimes, inappropriate behaviour might not just be limited to unwanted sexual advances. You might find yourself targeted for insignificant things, like your appearance, educational or family background, or even your race.
You can report this unsafe behaviour to the necessary administrators. In the best case scenario, the offending user’s account may be removed, ensuring that they cannot further harass you or other users on the site.
Should you not wish to escalate the situation further, you can simply block the offending user to ensure that they have no further contact with you on the platform.
Most platforms have mechanisms in place to address these issues and ensure a safe environment for users.
8. Keep Communication Public:
During the initial stages of getting to know someone online, keep your communication within the platform’s messaging system.
Not only does this keep you and your personal information safe, but if you need to report potential unsafe behaviour to the relevant authorities, you can do so via the moderators within the app itself.
Avoid sharing personal contact information too soon, and never meet someone in person without first establishing a level of trust and comfort.
9. Educate Yourself About Online Safety:
Stay informed about online safety best practices and familiarize yourself with the potential risks of online dating.
Resources such as articles, videos, and online safety guides can provide valuable information to help you navigate the digital dating landscape responsibly.
Keep yourself up to date with the latest gimmicks used by scammers or catfishers, so that you know what to keep a watchful eye out for when communicating with strangers online.
10. Trustworthy Friends Can Offer Guidance:
If you’re unsure about a situation or need advice, don’t hesitate to reach out to trusted friends or family members for guidance.
Sometimes an outside perspective can provide valuable insights and help you make informed decisions.
You don’t have to wait for things to turn ugly before asking for advice. Sometimes, it is good to get a vibe check from a close friend, they might be able to pick up on things that you might not!
Just like how some people might need a wingman when meeting people in real life, you can always use the help of a digital wingman when it comes to navigating cryptic texts!
Online dating can be a fun and exciting way to meet new people and explore romantic connections. However, it’s essential to prioritize your safety and well-being at all times. By following these tips and strategies, you can navigate the world of online dating with confidence and peace of mind. Remember to trust your instincts, set boundaries, and seek help if you encounter any challenges along the way. With the right precautions in place, you can enjoy the benefits of online dating while staying safe and secure.
Facebook