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Safety Skills to Remember When Trying Online Dating Apps

Written by Angela Lydon | Jan 10, 2024 7:16:07 PM

In a world of excessive technological use and coming off a global pandemic, it’s no wonder online dating apps have become as popular as they are. They are convenient and allow us to connect with others from anywhere that we are likely not to meet out on the street. Dating apps can even help us to make friends in addition to romantic relationships. Many apps have features for users to filter other users to best fit what they are looking for. 

As the 2020 pandemic swept across the world, online dating apps became widely used as many were isolated for months and were longing for interactions. With technology always evolving, dating apps are either free or highly affordable and are available at the user’s fingertips. 

Although many have found success and long-term relationships on dating apps, it’s important to use apps safely and to remember safety tips that can protect the user in many ways. 

Be mindful of red flags if you are chatting with someone 

Since online dating apps create a barrier between users, we can’t get a first impression of the other person like we normally would in person. Because of this, it’s important to be mindful of red flags and recognize when our intuition feels like something is off. If you are speaking with someone frequently and starting a relationship, be aware of how they act. For example, if they refuse to video chat or show their face after a while, that may be a concern. Or if they ask you for personal information, they may be a scammer. Paying attention to the way they talk, and act can help us determine if you should continue connecting with them. 

Never agree to meet anyone alone or without disclosing your location to others 

If you are in a lengthy long-distance relationship, speak on the phone frequently, and video chat regularly, it is likely you will want to meet the other person. However, if you do not know a person very well, and have not physically seen them or spoken to them, it is not always wise to meet up in person. If you do decide to meet someone in person, always let someone know where you will be, with whom, and at what time. It is also recommended to meet in a well-lit, public setting such as a restaurant. 

Don’t be too quick to provide your address

If you do not yet know someone well enough, do not provide your home address. This can help to ensure security and avoid unwanted visits from people you don’t know. Like the advice of meeting in public, never meet someone for the first time at your residence. 

Never provide bank account or financial details 

Not only is your home address important, but it’s essential to remember not to give out your bank account number or financial details. Unfortunately, some people on online dating apps are scammers looking to take money or credit card numbers from others. If anyone asks for this information or asks you to send them money, you should discontinue connecting with them and notify the dating app team. 

Report anyone who makes you uncomfortable or uses inappropriate language 

If someone is making you uncomfortable or using profanity, it is best to block them and report their account to the dating app team. You are using the dating app to make friends or create relationships, so don’t be afraid to block someone who is ruining that experience for you. Additionally, most dating apps prohibit inappropriate language. 

Dating apps can be a great tool for meeting new people if it is done safely. For more details on online dating, check out https://hello-itsme.com/ today.