Online dating is fun. It has become so common that it’s almost interchangeable with traditional dating.
Dating apps and websites have provided us with a convenient new way to connect with people, but they have also introduced new issues. Identity theft, online harassment, and scams can all risk interacting with strangers through apps. And, if you decide to meet up in person, there’s a chance you’ll end up in physical danger.
Protecting our privacy online is no easy task these days, as it requires a lot of effort and a lot of technological assistance. It’s critical to understand digital privacy, how to protect your data on dating apps, and how compromising your privacy can lead to several other problems.
In retrospect, you have no control over how the other person treats you; however, you can control your online safety and security. In this article, we spoke with some of our industry friends to learn how to protect yourself and your privacy when using online dating apps.
Tips to protect yourself and your security on dating apps
Putting your personal information on dating apps, like many other online platforms these days, carries some risk. Many dating apps track your activity on the app and store the information. Furthermore, these apps do not assure users that their personal information, activities, or conversations remain private or secure. As a result, if you decide to use a dating app, you must take precautions to ensure that your privacy is protected as much as possible.
Here are some of the tips you can follow:
Personal information should never be included in a profile.
This information includes your last name, email, workplace, phone number, school, and neighborhood. With just one of these pieces of information, it’s simple to track down someone. Do not share your details in dating apps; instead, use fake names and profile pictures.
Think about what you want to share on the internet.
We’ve all got that one friend who knows the name of the guy we met at a restaurant last week and the name of the beer league softball team he plays for. It’s almost frightening how easy it is these days to find information about someone on the internet.
You can protect your privacy by limiting the amount of personal information you share online, such as what you do, where you work, and your phone number. If you’re curious about what information exists about you, use a site like Nuwber to look it up.
Use different photos in dating apps and social media.
You’re making it very easy for someone to learn more about you online if you use the same photos for dating apps and social media. Your social media accounts, as well as the personal information you’ve shared there, can be found with a simple reverse image search. Use photos that you haven’t shared anywhere else online for dating apps.
Pick a good dating app that requires mutual interest before initiating contact.
Anyone can contact you on some of the most popular dating apps, regardless of whether you have expressed interest in them or not. This is a recipe for the horror stories we’ve all heard about dating app messages. By avoiding this type of dating app, you can keep unwanted messages to a minimum.
Be wary of dating apps that track your location.
While location settings can help you find potential dates in your area, make sure the dating app you’re using obscures your location sufficiently so that other users can’t tell where you are.
Stick to the messaging system on the dating app.
Yes, it’s inconvenient, and you’re probably more interested in whether they’re green or blue, but when you’re first interacting with potential dates, use the dating app’s in-app messaging system. It gives the app an extra layer of protection. It also prevents your phone number from being shared with just anyone.
Make contact with mutual friends.
Dating apps will sometimes show you if you and the person you’re talking to have mutual friends. Please get in touch with those friends to find out how they feel about the person you’re interested in.
Never expose where you work.
If you mention your workplace and the person you’re speaking with turns out to be a creep, you don’t want them showing up at your workplace.
Before meeting in person, don’t give out your phone number.
Restrict communication to the app. Someone can find out your address and other personal information about you if they Google your phone number.
Keeping yourself safe on dates
So you’ve found a match, you’ve been chatting, and you’re ready to take things offline. That’s incredible! Protecting yourself also applies in the offline world, especially when meeting someone you met online. With these safe dating tips, you can take responsibility for your safety:
Do some additional research before agreeing to a date.
Regrettably, not everyone we meet online is who they say they are. Consider doing some background research on your potential date for your safety. Nuwber makes it simple to find publicly available information, such as police records. Verifying the identity of your potential date can help you spot any red flags and give you peace of mind before meeting them in person.
Go on your first date in a public place.
Going to a cafe, restaurant, sporting event, or any place with other people is a good idea for a first date. Your safety is less at risk in a public setting if something goes wrong or things don’t work out.
Tell someone where you’re going.
Before your first date, send a close friend a few details about where you’re going and who you’re going with. You can even schedule a check-in for later in the date or use your phone’s location-sharing feature to let your friend know where you are.
Conclusion
Protecting identities on online dating websites isn’t easy, and dating scams are rising year after year.
Like many other online platforms, online dating apps come with their own set of privacy concerns. If you plan to use a dating app, make sure you protect yourself and your personal information by being responsible for your online and offline safety.Â
Read: Factors to Consider When Selecting a Security Service Company
Again, you have no responsibility for the predatory behavior of others, but you should feel empowered to protect yourself and avoid situations that make you feel unsafe or uncomfortable.
Keep the suggestions above in mind to ensure that you and your date are at ease, and then have fun meeting new people, eating delicious food, and exploring your city.
