Keeping your computer and devices up to date with the latest security software and limiting the information you share on social media can help protect you from hackers. You should also keep your dating profile and personal social media accounts separate.
Crooks often prey on people’s emotions by asking for money or financial information. Any request for these things should raise a red flag, and you should immediately stop communicating with the person in question.
Don’t Share Too Much Information
There are a lot of dangers when it comes to dating online, including digital dating abuse, catfishing, identity theft, and financial fraud. Sharing too much information with someone you met on a dating app can put you at risk of threats and physical safety issues like stalking, robbery, or assault. It is advisable to check out the best hookup dating sites for safe navigation.
Many of these risks can be minimized by using different photos on your dating profile than on your social media accounts. This will prevent anyone from doing a reverse image search and finding your personal information.
Also, avoiding sharing private or explicit photos with people you meet online is important. Once these photos are in the electronic domain, they can be hacked, copied, screenshotted and shared. Also, consider having a separate email address for your dating profile and only use DM’s (direct messages) when necessary. This will help you to stay safe from cyberbullying and doxing. It’s also important to keep your computer and other devices secure with a strong password, firewall and anti-virus software.
Don’t Be Pressured to Drink
Many people who use hook-up dating sites may have multiple motivations, some of which conflict. For instance, a person might want to get laid but feel uncomfortable or unsafe having unprotected sex. These conflicts in goals can lead to sexual coercion when someone feels pressured or manipulated into having unprotected sex or other forms of sexual activity.
Peer pressure can be overt or indirect. It can be as simple as a social situation in which drinks are continually refilled, and everyone is expected to drink, or it can be more subtle, such as social modeling through popular music videos that depict parties or a group of friends all drinking alcohol.
It’s important to remember that a date doesn’t always need to involve drinking. It’s better to meet for a non-alcoholic beverage so that you don’t drink so much that you lose your ability to make decisions or react rationally to situations.
Don’t Be Too Quick to Accept a Match
A recent case of a man who kidnapped and tortured a woman in Oregon has raised questions about how to keep safe on dating apps. Although many respected sites encourage users to report shady behavior, using common sense and listening to your instincts is also important.
For example, be wary if someone seems overly eager to meet you in person. It could be a sign they are using the app to find people to scam. It is also a good idea to have a friend or family member nearby during dates and to always drive yourself home after.
Additionally, use different photos for your dating profile and social media accounts. This makes it difficult for someone to use reverse image search to find your other online profiles. Also, be careful if a match asks you to give your phone number before meeting in person. Consider asking them to chat via a separate messaging app.
Don’t Be Afraid to Leave a Date
Don’t be afraid to leave if your gut tells you a date isn’t safe. Predators often look for short-term victims they can abuse emotionally and sexually before moving on to the next victim, so listening to your instincts is important.
Letting a friend know where you are meeting a potential match and when you plan to be home is also a good idea. They can check in with you during your date or even arrange for a “safe call” so that they can see that you are okay.
Finally, don’t be afraid to Google a potential date before you meet them. There is no shame in doing a little research, and it can help you spot red flags like fake profiles or financial scams. If you find any information that makes you feel unsafe, report it to the site immediately.