Online dating is a common practice these days which is almost as communistic as traditional dating. In the era of 2000s, online dating and websites have flourished in almost every corner of the modern world. The ever-growing dating apps changed the way people perceive dating. Connection to strangers is more fun and engaging with the evolved technologies these days.
But every practice comes with its pros and cons. Regular interactions with strangers on portals can put you at high risk for identity theft and online harassment. And if you hit off good enough to meet someone in the real world, there’s also a chance you invite physical danger along. You can never take the responsibility for the predatory or disrespectful behavior of others, but there are few measures you can take to protect yourself when you interact with a stranger. Keep the following tips in mind the next time you register for any dating or relationship sites.
1. “Ok, Google” Yourself.
According to Betterhalf’s dating coach, you need to Google yourself first to check what is posted online about you. Enquiring about yourself is the key rule when it comes to safe dating online, as you should know about the personal information readily available to anyone with a working Internet connection associated with your full name. Once someone has your full name, s/he can exploit any readily available information online about you and could misuse it in any way. For instance, if by chance you might have posted your house on rent online, anyone who searches your name online would find that ad on the first page of the Google search result and would now know your address. Spooky.
2. Play the “Guess” name.
Don’t give your full name soon enough. As we’ve conveyed, making yourself too prone to search won’t help you stay safe while dating online. When consulted to our dating experts about listing your full name on your online dating profile, they suggested “while you should be legitimate on dating apps, you should be absolutely careful about any overly personal details you reveal that may make you searchable. Displaying your full name in your profile — or even before you meet in person — immediately provides digital access to your background.” So, the rule stated: No full names until after you meet up. On Betterhalf, the AI lets you state just the first name, ensuring you full safety.
3. First date? Spotify.
Choose a public space for your first date. If you want to safely meet your online dates offline, it’s imperative that you plan all of your first dates in public. In fact, you can plan to meet outside your neighborhood, if you are really unsure about the date. If the two of you hit it off well, there will be plenty of time to roam around the city in the future. So, start with the safest option available.
If you’ve matched with your partner on Betterhalf, we can plan your first date. Click here to know more.
4. Posting old pictures? Think twice.
Don’t use Facebook or Instagram photos in your display profile. Using your Facebook profile picture in your online dating profile may look harmless, but it isn’t. It’s an easier way for someone to run a Google image search on your photo, and find descriptive personal information about you. So, just to be safer, make sure the candids you use in your online dating profile can’t be found anywhere else on the Internet. You also might want to disable the option on dating sites that allow you to link your profile with your Instagram or Facebook account.
5. Shoot in-app conversations.
Use the dating app’s messaging system. We know this might involve a bit of inconvenience for you but it is one of the most important attempts to keep your phone number safe online. Providing people with your Whatsapp number for a better texting experience, just after a few hey’s and hello’s can be critically fatal for your safety. So, consider knowing the person first before taking things forward. So, start shooting messages and let us know if you need any help!
6. A bit reserved- a perfect way to get started.
Try opening up but don’t share too many details at first. The point of connecting people online is to get to know them better, but it’s still smart to limit the number of personal details or facts about your life you share until you’ve met the right person. Unfortunately, someone who seems great when chatting in an app could be very different in real life. So, make sure you let the person play the guessing game for a longer time (this will actually spice up the conversation with an element of mystery).
7. Self defense-Best defense.
Consider carrying a self-defense tool. If you are a female, carrying a self-defense weapon can be a very useful tool considering the safety of females in India. It is a very personal decision, but if it makes you feel safer, you can carry a Taser or a pepper spray. Even a flashlight can make an excellent self-defense tool.
We hope you stay a bit alert while dating online and follow the necessary measures. Keep the above tips in mind to make sure you and your date feel comfortable before getting to know new people.
Have you tried Betterhalf yet? What did you do to make sure you felt safe? Share your advice in the comments below.
