Online dating is extremely popular. The stigma of online dating has basically disappeared as more and more people are using apps to date and even meet their significant others. The search for love is often starting online. To put it into perspective, if you want to think about dating as a numbers game, you could probably swipe left/right between 10 – 100 times in the span of time that it would take you to interact with one potential date in ‘real-life’. It’s common, convenient and a completely acceptable way to date. Forget the grocery store isle, work or social circles. Now it’s swipes, spreadsheets and algorithms. One of the biggest concerns to go along with the commonality, is safety!

How common are the apps? Statistics suggest that about 1 in 5 relationships begin online. It’s estimated that by 2040, 70% of us will have met our significant other online. According to the Pew Research Center, the overwhelming majority of Americans say that online dating is a good way to meet people. More than 15% of adults say that they have used either mobile dating apps or an online dating site at least once in the past. Online dating services are now the second most popular way to meet a partner.

Here are some more interesting stats according to eHarmony:

  1. There are 40 million Americans using online dating websites and those users range from young to old. Today, 27% of young adults report using online dating sites, which is up 10% from 2013. For those 55 to 64-year-olds that use online dating, there has been a 6% increase from 2013 to 2015.
  2. Men make up 52.4 % of online dating users compared to 47.6% who are women. However these online dating statistics can change based on the site being used and location.
  3. 20% of women surveyed by global research agency Opinionmatters admitted to using an older photo from when they were younger and thinner. More than 40% of men said they lied about their jobs in an effort to sound more successful.
  4. One-in-five online daters have asked someone else to help write or review their profile.
  5. Online dating statistics show that 20% of those in current, committed relationships began online and 7% of marriages in 2015 were between couples that met on a dating website.

In many ways, dating apps and websites have given people a new, fun and easy way to connect and expand their dating options. The flip side of this is that online dating has introduced some new issues, many involving safety concerns. For example, interacting with strangers through apps can put you at risk and make you vulnerable for identity theft, online harassment, and theft. If you decide to meet up in person, there’s also a chance you could find yourself in physical danger.

If you’re new to online dating or just want to up your online dating safety game, here are safety tips to keep in mind:

  1. Meet and stay in a public place

Meet for the first few times in a populated, public place and never in a private or remote location. Think parks, restaurants, coffee shops, and pretty much any public place. Try to choose places you’re familiar with.

  1. Check your date out online

The advantage of everyone living their lives online and often very publicly now is that it’s easy to verify a person’s identity before you meet them by looking them up on social media. Google and do your research!

  1. Protect yourself and your personal information

Have privacy settings in place and be careful to not give out too much personal information. Even if you’re chatting with someone and you feel a connection, still treat them as a stranger (because they are a stranger!). Never give personal information, such as: your social security number, credit card number or bank information, or your work or home address to people you don’t know or haven’t met in person.

  1. Check the geography settings

Many dating apps use your location, but strangers shouldn’t have access to information that lets them find your specific neighborhood. You have the option to control this setting.

  1. Don’t put lots of personal information on your profile

Don’t include your last name, contact information, or social media account handles. Don’t put lots of information that would make it easy for a stranger to steal your identity or track you down in real life.

  1. Don’t give out your full name until you meet

Giving someone your full name in your profile — or even before you meet — immediately gives them digital access to your background.

  1. Get a Google Voice number

If you’re concerned about giving out your phone number, you can create a free Google Voice number. It’s an app you download that gives you a separate number to give to dates. It’s pretty easy—once you log in to Google Voice, you can search by area code and choose an available number. Once you pick a number, the instructions will walk you through the rest of the setup.

  1. Use the dating apps messaging system

It might be way less convenient than texting but it gives you extra protection.

  1. Drive Yourself To And From Your Date, Or Take Public Transportation

It’s wise to avoid letting someone know exactly where you live until you know them better. Drive yourself to the date or get a ride, but don’t have your date pick you up or take you home.

  1. Stay aware, alert and trust your gut

If anything sounds strange or unbelievable, ask questions. Take extra care of yourself when you’re out with a stranger. If your instincts are telling you something is wrong, believe them. Pay attention to the signs, situation and your surroundings.

  1. Consider carrying a self defense tool

It’s a very personal decision and please use extreme care if you choose to carry a personal defense tool. Pepper spray may be a good option.

  1. Go slow or take things at your own speed

You do you! Don’t let anyone make you feel pressured to do anything. Whether that’s send pics, physical requests or do anything that you’re not comfortable doing.

  1. Do not be afraid to offend someone

Leave, say no or do anything you need to do to feel safe protect yourself. If someone is pursuing you online, you have every right to ask as many questions as needed to put your mind at ease. Period.

  1. Don’t drink too much

Be aware of your limits and don’t drink so much that you lose control of the situation.  Keep an eye on your glass or bottle to make sure nobody adds anything unexpected to it. Staying sober will increase safety.

  1. Tell friends and family about your plans

Always make sure someone knows who you’re going out with and where you’re going. Let them know your plans and the approximate time you think you’ll be home. Be sure to check in with them throughout the date.

Here is some great advice from ASecureLife.com:

Following online dating advice can help you stay safe in the dating world, but if someone or something makes you feel unsafe, it’s your right to leave (whether you’re leaving an online conversation or an actual date).

If you’re just messaging, you can simply stop responding and block the other person. Many dating apps will let you unmatch and report problematic behavior. If you’re on a date in real life, get up and walk away, go to the restroom and call a ride, ask the restaurant for an escort to your car, or message a friend and ask them to come meet you.

How you leave is up to you, but you should never feel bad for putting your safety first, even if it means you have to do something that feels rude.

Online dating has many pro’s and some potential con’s as well. Today, there are millions of people on thousands of dating sites looking for their perfect match, whether that’s for a hookup, date, relationship, or marriage. With this growing industry comes a lot safety concerns. Follow our online dating safety tips and protect yourself in your search for love.

If you’ve been hurt or violated in any capacity, call Schulze Law today.

 

https://www.psychologytoday.com/

https://www.eharmony.com/

https://www.match.com/

https://stylecaster.com/

https://www.asecurelife.com/