Online Dating is becoming more and more the norm these days, with people meeting and dating online rather than in bars or clubs. It is a great way to meet new people but you do need to be careful, that’s why I put together this article so you know how to online date safely.
1. Create a Separate Email Account
Make sure that you use a separate email account when registering for online dating sites. That way, if something happens or if someone tries to hack into your personal email account, they won’t be able to access any of your private information.
2. Use a Reputable Dating Site
There are many online dating sites out there, but not all of them are reputable. Make sure you’re using one that has been around for awhile and has a good reputation. You can find this information on the site itself or by doing some research online.
Check Out Their Privacy Policy. This is especially important if you plan on sharing any personal information with people you meet online. Some sites allow users to post photos of themselves, but only if they are first approved by the company’s administrators; other sites don’t allow users to post photos at all. It’s important to know what their policy is so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not it’s worth it for you to join their site at all (if privacy is important to you).
3. Research Your Date
Look at their social media accounts (particularly Facebook) and check out their friends list. Look at their profile picture — does it look like them? Is it recent? If it’s not recent or looks like it has been photoshopped, that could be a sign that something is up. Also, take note of the other people in their pictures with them; if everyone is wearing the same shirt or no one else looks like them, that could be another red flag.
4. Chat for awhile before meeting
Meeting someone for the first time can be nerve-wracking, especially if you don’t know them very well yet. It’s natural to want to rush things along so that you can meet in person, but this can lead to rushing into something that could turn out badly if you don’t take your time. Before agreeing to have dinner or drinks with anyone from your dating app, make sure that they’ve been chatting with you for awhile and not just messaging you out of nowhere after seeing another profile they liked better than yours!
5. Meet in a public place.
Don’t invite strangers over to your house or apartment until you feel comfortable enough with them. It’s always better to go out somewhere public first before spending time alone with them at home. If they don’t respect this request, then maybe they aren’t worth meeting up with after all!
6. Stay sober.
If you’re going on a date with someone from an online dating service, make sure you’re not under the influence of drugs or alcohol. It’s easy to get caught up in the moment, but if anything happens, you’ll be glad that you weren’t drinking or using drugs.
7. Use common sense
If someone asks for money, or asks you to do something illegal or immoral, don’t respond. If someone is trying to get you off the site by using inappropriate language or photos, report them immediately either through the site’s reporting tool or by emailing the company directly.
8. Tell a friend where you’ll be.
Before heading out on any date, tell a friend or family member where you’re going and what time they should expect you back home. If something happens on your date and you don’t come home on time, your friend or family member can alert authorities or at least start looking for you if necessary.
9. Be cautious with physical contact.
Don’t meet someone from the internet in a secluded place or invite them into your home unless you’ve confirmed that they’re who they say they are.
10. Be mindful of your emotions.
If you’re feeling sad or lonely or depressed, it’s important to evaluate why you’re using these apps in the first place. You may be looking for love and companionship, but are you prepared for that?
If you’re not ready for a serious relationship, it’s better to wait until you are before diving into things. If you do decide to go ahead with online dating, don’t get too attached too quickly — even if your new flame seems like the perfect match for you! It’s easy to get carried away by their sweet words and flattering pictures, but it’s important to keep your emotions in check and not get too invested too soon .
11. Set clear boundaries.
Before you start messaging potential matches, make sure you’re clear on what you’re looking for — and what you aren’t willing to compromise on. Are you open to going out on dates with people who live far away? Do you want to avoid anyone who smokes or has kids? If so, put those preferences in your profile so that other users don’t waste their time messaging someone who isn’t interested in them.
12. Don’t give out personal information until you trust someone.
Be cautious about sharing too much personal information early on in the conversation — especially if you’ve never met in person yet. And even if you have met them before, ask yourself if there is any reason why they shouldn’t know where you work or live (for example). It’s better to wait until trust has been established before sharing
Online dating can be a great way to find someone. Still, that doesn’t mean that online dating is without dangers. Protect yourself by staying safe and following these tips. If you have been contacted by someone online, it’s always important to take some time to consider the situation before getting involved. Talk to your friends and family – they’ll often be able to help you identify red flags or potential problems. Ask yourself if this person is really who they say they are and if you’re comfortable meeting in person. Be aware of the exact location of your first date and make sure to tell a friend or family member where you’re going and when you should be back. Trust your instincts – if something doesn’t feel right, trust yourself. Don’t go on the date or cancel if it’s already been set up.