With more and more people resorting to dating apps and sites to meet potential romantic partners, safety becomes an important factor. Online dating is an industry that has immensely grown over the past few years. While dating sites were frowned upon a few years ago, today they are the most common space to meet new people. There are a lot of options to choose from. You can find niche dating sites that cater to specific religions, hobbies or interests. Some apps work better for those who are on the look for a committed relationship.
Other options work best for people looking for a good time with no strings attached. If you are considering giving online dating a try, a good place to start is to decide which of them suits your needs best. A first recommendation is to always go to reputable sites.
Check out reviews and user comments before making a decision, as one of the first steps is to enter personal information. While most dating apps will gather general data on users and perform some security checks, tricking them is really easy.
Why do you need to Research People Online Before a Date?
So, after you swipe right, or agree to a first chat, what should you be on the look for? From the tone to the content of a conversation, first exchanges are really important. Take your time to know more about someone before committing to an actual first date. While during these first conversations people may want to highlight their best traits, they can be really useful in deciding if you really want to meet in person. Online dating has its dangers, and being cautious is the best way to stay safe. Red flags at this stage may include rudeness, racist or hateful comments, or any other situation that you may consider out of norm or that makes you feel unsafe.
Pre-relationship Checklist Ideas:
Creating a pre-relationship checklist is probably a good idea, and it may include things like:
- Are all your conversations civil and respectful?
- Are you on the same page on issues you consider important? (from political views to gender-related matters or whatever else is important to you).
- If you feel the other party is hiding something or not disclosing information, continue asking. If you don’t get the answers that you want, it’s probably better to move on.
- Never agree to meet in a place where you don’t feel safe. If you say you don’t feel safe and they continue to ask, it is probably not a good fit.
- Avoid disclosing delicate information. Never trust someone who asks for things such as your social security number or financial details.
If after considering these factors, you are still leaning towards a first date, a quick online search will offer a broader image. While we are not talking about online stalking, contrasting the information you already have to what’s freely available online is helpful. Remember that we all have a “digital fingerprint” and taking a look does not hurt. But be wary of going too far. More information on the pros and cons of googling your potential date can be found on google. One thing is to look for red flags and contradicting information but doesn’t become obsessed. In the end, the actual in-person meeting will be what can best help in order to determine if you are actually compatible.
During the actual date
Going on a date with someone you’ve never met is exciting but it can pose threats. If you have made up your mind and decide to go forward with a first date, remember that safety should always be a priority. Some tips to stay on the safe side may include:
- Meet in a public place. Fleeing from an uncomfortable situation or asking for help if you feel in danger is easier if you are surrounded by more people.
- If you are not feeling okay, don’t hesitate to leave. You are not obliged to stay when you know things will not work out.
- Never hesitate to ask for help if you feel endangered in any way. Most bars and cafes have protocols to deal with someone who is feeling in danger during a first date.
An online search and the information available on apps and dating sites are definitely a useful start. But when you are considering whether or not to date (online dating) someone in the long run, always trust your gut.
Read Also:
