It wasn’t long ago that the dating script looked something like this:
Step 1: Meet someone in a public place
Step 2: Talk with said person and get to know them a bit
Step 3: Exchange numbers
Step 4: Reach out for a date
Step 5: Date takes place

Of course, the outlier in this process was the blind date — something that happened somewhat infrequently. Today, with the rising popularity of dating apps, it seems every date is essentially a blind date, but rarely does it come with the social context of a mutual friend. You’re meeting someone for the first time, every time, and without a mutual friend’s blessing that the person isn’t a serial killer.

Are Dating Apps Safe?

That’s not to say changes in the dating landscape are all bad. It does, however, mean the risks are new and different, so understanding how to stay safe is an important step in dating in a world of Tinder and Bumble.

How to Safely Date Online:

Be aware of what info you are sharing on your profile:

  • Your personal data is available to anyone using the app — not just connections
  • Remove work and education info (shares your location) and don’t share anything too personal in your bio

Choose photos wisely:

  • Photos can give away info about where you live and what you like to do, putting physical safety at risk

Don’t exchange numbers until you’re confident who the person is:

  • Ask to see their Facebook profile or other social profiles
  • Notice if you have mutual friends (many apps will show this info)

Don’t connect social accounts to your dating profile:

  • Especially Instagram, as doing so gives away location data and puts personal safety at-risk.

Protect your name:

  • Don’t give away your last name until you know more about the person.

Use a Dating App-only Picture:

  • Having a separate photo for dating apps can avoid reverse image searches on Google finding your social media accounts.

Meet in a public place and drive yourself:

  • Do this for the first few dates until you feel safe in more intimate environments.

Ask questions:

  • Certainly it’s possible to lie, but asking questions can help inform who you invest time in.

Do your own research:

  • Look for signs someone is a real person: Do they have friends in their social media pictures? Do they have over 150 friends on Facebook (the general average for FB users)? What shows up when you Google them?

Choose dating sites with a higher barrier to entry:

  • It’s easy to join Tinder and Bumble, which is great for its simplicity. But it also means it’s easy for anyone to join. Consider using paid apps like eHarmony.com.

Trust Your Instincts:

  • If something doesn’t feel right, move on. It’s better than risking your safety.

We live in a new kind of dating environment. One that’s difficult to avoid based on the sheer popularity of online dating (with the advent of Tinder). However, there are ways to engage in online dating more safely while still enjoying the convenience of a more connected world.

If you have questions, feel free to reach out (charlie@hueya.io). And check out my company’s software offering: it provides tools for managing your online exposure and keeping you safe when you’re dating online!

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