12 Rules to Stay Safe in the World of Online Dating

Only Use Trustworthy Dating Platforms

You shouldn't try to use every dating site available. There are many dating platforms online, but not all of them are that dependable. 

It'd be best if you tried to use the most common and popular dating sites like Tinder, eHarmony, Bumble, or Match.com. These are good places to get you started, and you know they have security measures that are meant to keep you safe. 

Use Specific Photos For Your Dating Profile

You should try to avoid using the same pictures you have on social media for a dating platform. 

Someone might try to use your profile pictures to find you on other social media like Facebook or Instagram, which can be creepy and dangerous if you don't want to share that part of your life yet. Plus, a new profile picture is a great way to show your funny side to possible dates. 

Don't Show Other People or Places in Your Photos

Speaking of pictures, try to avoid showing your friends or family in your photos. Not only is it confusing for the other person to know which person you are, but you might expose close friends and family members to some kind of attention they don't want.

Likewise, you should try to avoid using pictures that easily show where you live or work. Try taking pictures in public places like malls or parks, so they don't know right away your exact location just by looking at your pictures.

Stay Away from Suspicious Profiles

There are countless shady profiles online, not only on dating sites, and you should do your best to stay away from them. Of course, there are a few exceptions, but if the pictures look like they're from a professional photoshoot, you should be careful and make sure the other person is real before moving forward. 

Likewise, you should stay away from profiles with no picture, no bio, or other social media accounts. Not only do they look shady, but you also won't know if you're talking to a real person. 

If you decide to talk to them, make sure they're who they say they are and they're from the right place. If they say they're from the US, but they don't speak English very well, they might be trying to catfish you. This term is used when someone online tells you they're someone else, so you get interested in them. They might use this to try to get something out of you or just to trick you. 

Check Your Date's Social Media Platforms If Possible

More often than not, people share their social media profiles to either brag or show you a different side of them. But this is pretty useful if you want to make sure they're real. You can use their social media to find out if they're who they really say they are and also find out more about them and see if they're a match for you. 

Report Anything Shady

Big platforms like Tinder will let you report profiles if you think there's something off about them. You can report a profile that's being too creepy or someone who instantly asks for financial help. Not only will you help yourself, but you'll also help others too.

Don't Share Any Personal Information

Remember that you're still talking to a stranger online, which can be dangerous. Avoid giving too much information about you that someone might use against you. That might include your address, phone number, your full name, your income, or any information about your family. Avoid giving any information you wouldn't be comfortable sharing with strangers in real life. 

Video Call to Your Date Before Going Out

Nowadays, there's pretty much no excuse not to have a smartphone with a camera. Even if the camera is bad, you can still have a video call with someone. It's a good idea to video call your possible dates before going out. This is just to make sure they are who they say they are. Plus, it's a quick way to determine if you have chemistry before going on a date.

Tell People Where You're Going

If you finally decide to go on a date, you should tell your friends and family where you're going. Give them the name of the person you're going out with, the place you'll meet up, and when you think the date will be over. The more information they have, the better. 

Go Out to a Public Place 

Public places, with a lot of people, are your best friend when going on a first date. That way, you'll be and feel more secure when there are other people around you who might be able to help you if you need to. 

Don't Share the Same Vehicle

For the first date, you should try to meet up in the place instead of sharing an Uber or letting your date drive you there. Not only will you be more secure that way, but they won't find out where you live or work right away. Plus, it can be a bit awkward to share a ride if the date doesn't go so well.

Trust Your Instincts

In the end, you should trust the most important person on a date, which is yourself. If something doesn't feel right, whether that is during a chat or on a date, you should step away. Other than respect, you don't owe the other person anything, and if they're being a bit too pushy, you can always get out of that situation without feeling guilty.