Online Dating Safety Tips
Taking the plunge into trying out a dating app or returning after a bit of a break?
Read our tips on staying safe, and avoiding any unwanted, awkward misread situations!
Before you set yourself up on @tinder, @bumble or @hinge, make sure you consider some basic safety precautions, before you worry about the perfect profile pic:
While setting up with your Facebook profile is useful for highlighting people you might know in common, do think about which pictures you import. Don't use the same picture for your dating profile and your Facebook profile. Some people have circumvented the apps and have managed to find out more detail than you’d like, so keep them separate.
Don't be afraid to do some Googling - Google’s Image Search can bring up multiple Facebook profiles using the same photo. If the person messaging you isn’t the only person with that picture, it's very likely they're using a fake account. Also maybe Google yourself (we know… how vain) if you’re able to find surprising levels of detail about yourself online, maybe consider a little tidy up before you launch into the world of putting your name out there online.
Keep your profile light on the personal details - Don’t include your last name, contact information, or social media accounts. Check your other social media accounts. Do they potentially make it easy for a stranger to steal your identity or track you down in real life?
Great, profile done and ready to start swiping away? Below are the main things to avoid doing - don’t get too ‘offline’ too quickly:
Stay within the app's messaging - as tempting as it might be to move to Whatsapp, resist until you've actually met and feel like you want to divulge some real-life info.
Consider a Google phone number - if you want to, or need to call them ahead of time, Google Voice has been around for a few years, and via an app gives you a secondary phone number, for easy management, and silent blocking.
If you've got mutual friends (through connecting Facebook), maybe ask them what they think! A second opinion never hurt. Check them out via some mutual friends and ask around a little bit. If all seems good, go for it!
Avoid specifics - when you're chatting, avoid the real specifics about who you work for and that coffee shop you always head to first. Try to find common ground outside of the more revealing details.
Ready to meet that someone who sounds super wonderful? Before you jump in and arrange a meet up, take a breath and think about:
Where you're going to meet - pick somewhere busy, in public and that you know will be fine to make an exit from if you need it.
Who knows where you're going - mum, dad, friend, sister, work colleagues, make sure you tell people where you're meeting and what time you're meeting (and when you'd expect to be home). Let them know when you're making a move home too, just so they know you're safe
Trust your gut - we know, it's a cliche used EVERYWHERE, but it's not wrong. Sometimes you just get that funny vibe, sometimes they're a little too keen. They are still a stranger after all.