Dating apps give us the access to meet countless people in seconds. This can either be exciting or overwhelming, to be reminded that we have consistent access at our fingertips. Whether you’re looking to hook up, make meaningful connections with someone or are simply just bored, dating apps can be a fun or useful tool for whatever you may desire.
However, the more access we have to hundreds or even thousands of individuals, the more we inevitably expose ourselves to serious dangers and risks.
We’ve all heard the stories. Many people, women, in particular, have had their safety and wellbeing threatened at the hands of someone they met on a dating app. Most recently, the story of Lauren Smith-Fields has spread like wildfire on major social media platforms and news outlets. On Dec. 12, 2021, the 23-year-old college student was found dead in her apartment after a date with Matthew LaFountain, a man she met on Bumble.
Smith-Fields’s story is one of many that involves safety issues that dating apps and sites can pose for people that want to make in-person connections with someone they met online. The reality is, we truly have no idea who someone really is or what they are capable of doing until we meet them. However, there are many ways in which we can protect ourselves when it comes to the potential risks and dangers of the online dating experience.
Meeting in public places
When meeting someone for the first time, one of the most important ways to protect yourself is by meeting at a public place like a bar or restaurant. Homes are most often, by nature, very private places. Someone you don’t know knowing your address or even spending time together in the privacy of a home can turn into a very dangerous situation where nobody may know if something happens to you or if you need help.
It is also best to avoid being alone in a vehicle with someone that you do not fully trust or know well enough yet. Finding your own means of transportation to the location of your date will add extra safety measures so that you can be sure that you’ll get where you need to go.
Making your whereabouts known
Along with meeting in public, one of the most basic ways to keep yourself safe when meeting new people is to send the location of your date to someone you trust. You can do this by using the sharing feature on your phone or by simply letting someone know where you are going to be and at what time. This way, you can quickly get help in the event of an emergency.
Sometimes, you may simply get bad vibes or a negative gut instinct about the person you’re on a date with. Having someone who can come to you in an emergency is so important for keeping yourself safe.
Something important to remember when going on first dates is that you don’t owe anyone anything. You may feel like you need to come up with an excuse or an explanation for wanting to leave. While this can definitely make it easier and less awkward, always be aware that saying no is a perfectly valid way to leave a situation that is making you feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
Reverse Image Search your date
Ever wonder if who you’re talking to online is actually who they say they are? Some key ways to find out if you’re talking to a catfish or potential threat is if they claim to not have any social media profiles or refuse to use any sort of video chatting platform to communicate with you.
They could be telling the truth about their broken camera or the fact that they don’t use social media, or you could be talking to someone with bad intentions. Use your gut with this one! If this person has really wooed you and you’d like to meet up despite the potential red flags, it is probably best to do a reverse image search beforehand to be extra sure that they are who they say they are.
You can avoid a major catfishing incident and ultimately a huge safety threat by doing a reverse image search through search engines such as Google or websites like Reddit. The search allows you to upload your date’s pictures from their profile and see if any similar images pop up. If the person is using fake photos, it will prompt the name of the actual person in the picture so that you can find out if your date is being truthful about their identity.
It’s best to prioritize your safety by keeping these important things in mind when planning your next Tinder date. As the saying goes, it is way better to be safe than sorry, especially when it comes to protecting yourself.