Women Reveal The Steps They Take To Stay Safe While Online Dating
While online dating can be a great way to connect with new people you might not typically meet, the practice also comes with many dangerous downsides– particularly for women.
First, it isn’t easy to know precisely who is behind an online dating profile. Even the most fantastic conversations and perceived connections could be a lie formulated by a catfish.
Second, the discussions will not last online forever. Eventually, you will be expected to meet up with a complete stranger in hopes of continuing a connection. This can be especially frightening and risky for women.
So, one Reddit user asked the online community how they stay safe while navigating the online dating scene. A few women shared some ingenious safety protocols.
Research Them Before Meeting Up
“Do some digging to make sure that they are who they say they are. You can reverse image search. Also, look up things like their email addresses, phone numbers, and social media profiles if available.”
Don’t Go Straight From Texting To In-Person
“Be sure that you have been talking for a while. Then, have phone calls and video calls to avoid meeting up with a catfish.”
Jacob Lund – stock.adobe.com
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Meet In Public And Share Your Location With Friends
“Always meet them in public and in a neighborhood you are familiar with. This ensures you can get home even if your phone dies.”
“Also, make sure you have live locations shared with someone who knows you are going on a date.”
Set Up A Text System
“I would recommend buying a personal alarm and setting a ‘deadman’s switch.’ This sends a scheduled text to someone you trust about when and where you are going and who you might meet just in case the worst happens.”
“These scheduled messages can be deleted, though. So, you will also want a pin code, or a good pattern lock enabled on your phone.”
Other Ways To Stay Safe Include:
Keeping all identifiable information– such as your full name, birthday, and workplace– off of your dating profile.
Limiting location services on your dating app.
Blocking and reporting any suspicious users.
Have you ever used these safety strategies while online dating? Do you have any other tips?
To read the entire Reddit thread, visit the link here.
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