1. Online Dating – it can be amazing!

Nowadays, we don’t generally meet our partners at restaurants or bars. Online dating is an easy and convenient way to meet a potential partner. However, convenience can come with some danger. It’s important to take precautions, be safe, and know who exactly you are meeting. We all know about catfishing, but we also have to consider other dangers. When navigating online dating, it can seem like a no brainer, but many people go out with a lot of trust without properly preparing. We have to make the most out of our online dating experiences, while also prioritizing our safety and wellbeing!

2. Why staying safe in the world of online dating is crucial

Online dating is so convenient, and rising in popularity every day. That being said, when you use an online dating platform, you are also at risk of being scammed, catfished, or even worse. It’s important to take precautions to be safe! 

1. Protecting your personal information: It’s key to protect your personal information. Try to avoid sharing your address, where you work, or any personal details with someone you don’t know. It takes time to establish trust, but this time is important to ensure your safety. No one wants a stalker!
2. Use reputable dating platforms: This may seem like a no brainer, but make sure you aren’t using Craigslist to meet your potential partner! There are many apps and websites that are well established, that have safety measures in place.
3. Trust your gut instincts: If the person you are talking to seems too good to be true, or something just seems… off… trust that! Your body knows, even if you don’t know. Listen to your gut, and if you do proceed, do so with an abundance of caution. Never send someone you don’t know your address or money!
4. Do your research: Before meeting someone in person, make sure you conduct your own research or background check to gather more information about them. If you can’t easily find them online, this could be a red flag. If you can, look for mutual connections, search for their social media profiles, and do a quick online search to ensure their legitimacy. This should also help you find any criminal records they may have.

5. Arrange your first meeting in public: When meeting someone for the first time, always choose a public place and keep a reliable friend or family member in the loop about your plans. Share your location if you can, the name of the person you are meeting, and have them give you a call if they don’t hear from you by a certain time. It’s better to have excessive precautions than to have none. Don’t share a car – Uber there or take public transit if it is available to you. 
6. Be cautious with sharing photos: Listen, no matter how hot someone is, don’t send them risque photos anytime soon. These can be used against you, and you should never be in that position.
7. Report suspicious behaviours: If the person is acting suspicious or inappropriate, make sure you block them, and report them to the dating app or site you are using. Not only can this protect you, but it can also protect others who may come across them otherwise.
8. Financial caution: If someone asks you for money, or shares a sob story, make sure you don’t take the bait. Many scammers exist!
9. Take your time: Even the most attractive person could be a danger. Take the time to build trust, and establish a true connection. Don’t rush into physical activity, and wait until you can assess what their intentions with you actually are. 
10. Trust your friends: If you share them with friends or family, and they notice something, don’t dismiss this. Just as you have gut instincts, they do too.

By utilizing the tips above, you can protect yourself, and others. It’s important to know that online dating can be an amazing way to meet a partner – however, just as with anything, there are precautions you should take for your safety. Practice safety first, and always trust your gut instincts. Now go forth, and enjoy the dating pool!