When it comes to dating online, it can feel difficult to navigate, as well as the sense of unknown when you're meeting someone in-person for the first time. Here are a few of my tips for staying safe on dating apps:
Setting an age range
As someone who has recently turned an adult, I'd recommend setting your age range to people of a similar age. Dating someone significantly older can mean there is a maturity gap and sometimes a financial gap, meaning they can potentially take advantage of you. It's important to know what a healthy relationship looks like so you can avoid unhealthy traits.
Understand their intentions
Look for their intentions in their dating app profile and even ask about them. Sometimes you have both having varying intentions and you don’t want to waste your time.
Choose the location wisely
Meet your date in a neutral, public area and if you go on further dates, keep meeting in neutral, public areas until you know and trust them well enough. This means you are able to leave the date more easily if it’s somewhere you could ask for help and it means you don’t share information about your personal address.
Let your friends know where you are
Let a friend know your whereabouts. You could also arrange for them to be in the same public place whilst the date goes ahead so they can make sure you’re safe and help you make a discreet exit. An additional thing you could do it allow a friend to track your location using GPS tracker or Snap Maps if you both feel comfortable with that.
Tell your flatmates
If your date is coming to your accommodation or vice versa, alert your flatmates. This is beneficial for your safety as well as respecting your flatmate’s boundaries.
Don't share personal information immediately
Avoid sharing personal information such as your address or aspects of daily routine (such what days you go to the gym). This is to avoid unwanted contact from your date after the date is over.
Social Media
Ask for their social media (e.g. Instagram) to see if they are who they say they are. Even call them if you feel you know them well enough - you’ve been talking to them for a while so it's important to check that they are who they say they are.
Verified Profiles
Check if they have a verified profile on the dating app, as this shows they are who they say they are. For example, on Hinge a verified profile has a tick next to their name. (Side note, make sure you’ve also verified your profile as I missed out that step when initially setting up Hinge and was thought to be underaged)
Charge your phone
Make sure your phone is charged and you have access to mobile data or WiFi. This is so you can communicate with a friend or call a taxi if you need to.
Trust your gut
Finally, if something feels off or you feel uncomfortable, trust your gut! Similarly, if you feel you don’t have a connection and don’t want to pursue anything further, that's ok. Your safety is your priority, so end the date early if you need to.
Written by Imogen Rippeth