Dating apps such as Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge have occupied the digital space and are used all around the world. According to a Pew Research Center study, 3 in 10 Americans claim to have used a dating app or dating website, with adults under 30 being more likely to use either of the two compared to the older generation.
The fact that these platforms have made dating much easier for people is undeniable. In fact, as stated in the same study, 42% of U.S. adults say that online dating has simplified the process of finding a long-term partner.
But not all that glitters is gold. Dating apps are filled with lots of dangers, too. Out of 2,000 analyzed sexual assault victim cases, as published in the report, 14% of the attacks took place after meeting with a person from a dating app for the first time.
In this blog post, we'll discuss advice you, as a woman, will need to take into consideration before going on a real date with your potential partner you've met on a dating app.
Numerous women under the age of 50 have encountered negative situations on dating apps. See the table below.
| What has been done | % of women aged 18-49 experiencing this on a dating app |
|---|---|
| Were sent inappropriate sexual content (image or message) they didn't ask for. | 56% |
| Had someone continue contacting them after they said they weren't interested. | 43% |
| Were called an offensive name. | 37% |
| Had someone threaten to physically harm them. | 11% |
7 Tips for a Safe Dating Experience With a Man From a Dating Platform
Every woman should be familiar with the following tips regarding dating safety.
Research Your Online Date Early
The process of safeguarding yourself from a potentially dangerous man begins before you set foot on your first date with him. You need to gather as much information as possible. First, check his profile on the dating app you're chatting with. Overly-edited pictures, no linked social media, few details, and inconsistent or vague answers are all telltale signs something is amiss.
Second, google his full name to get hold of more information that might be available on third-party platforms, including social media, blog posts, company websites, etc. A Google search is an effective way to find out whether he's been involved in anything suspicious or even dangerous, such as stalking, harassment, sexual assault, or even murder. For this, it's a good idea to run a criminal background check to find his criminal records.
And last but not least, find his social media accounts on Instagram, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and the like. Trust us when we say that a simple social media post or even comment can give away what a person is truly like. Pay particular attention to the way he communicates with others and what type of content he posts.
Don't Reveal Your Personal Information
Dating apps are rife with scammers looking to steal other people's personal data, such as social security number, credit card information, bank account details, and more. If you share personal information that shouldn't be revealed, you can become a victim of identity theft, lose your money, or both.
In some instances, stalkers try to get their victim's home address or work address to be able to persecute them in real life. Be aware of this, too. It's enough to only mention the country and the city where you live. Adding the street, house number, etc. can put you at serious risk.
Talk Over a Video Call
While texting is a good way to determine someone's communication style, it's not always indicative of a person's true intentions. Before you meet your date in person, it's wise to see each other's faces and hear each other's voices through the screen.
Talk about your interests, favorite movies or books, or life goals or just simply ask each other questions that will help you understand your personalities.
While for some it may seem unnecessary or even awkward, a simple video call can reveal a lot. It will help you catch any red flags you could have missed over text.
If You Decide to Go, Meet in a Public Place
If, after careful research, you haven't found anything disturbing or even slightly suspicious, still dictate your own rules as to where your first date will take place. Make sure it's a busy location like a coffee shop, restaurant, or park where there are plenty of people around to feel safe.
Let your date know in advance that you won't be going anywhere private for the sake of your own safety. If he respects your boundaries and understands, it's a good sign. If he doesn't and instead insists on meeting somewhere in private, consider it a red flag.
No man with good intentions will try to persuade a woman to meet in a private place, especially on a first date, when the stakes of meeting someone with malicious intentions are high.
Tell Your Family and Friends About Your Plans
No matter how confident you are about your online date, since you're meeting for the first time, it wouldn't hurt to inform your family members and friends about where you're going. Even if everything goes smoothly, you'll feel at ease knowing that others know about where you are and who you're with.
So, don't forget to share the important details, such as your date's full name, his photo, date location, time and duration, and your transportation plans. For extra caution, agree on a code word you can use to signal if something goes wrong (e.g., texting "How's aunt Lisa?" to mean you need help).
All these may seem irrelevant when you think the man you're meeting with doesn't have bad vibes and with whom you feel comfortable talking to on the app. However, the statistics don't lie. Unfortunately, a high percentage of women become victims of manipulation, harassment, or are sexually assaulted on their first dates. Telling at least one friend is a crucial safety measure to stay safe.
Watch How He Behaves on a First Date
It's no secret that some people portray a perfect picture of themselves online, and the reality can be a far cry from who they really are.
If he has too much alcohol, spends too much time on his cell phone, talks aggressively, makes creepy compliments during the conversation, or even asks for financial help, it's the worst idea to stay on such a date. Find an excuse to leave as fast as possible. If you see that he's aggressive and you'll feel unsafe walking away immediately, head to the restroom and alert a staff member or text a friend to come pick you up.
Trust Your Intuition
This may seem superstitious to some, but your gut feeling can help you stay safe. If something feels off, even if you can't explain what it is, it might be a good idea to leave the date. When you feel uncomfortable talking to the person or feel pressured, take it seriously. Women are often tempted to give their first dates the benefit of the doubt, but your intuition is there to protect you.
Whether it's even slightly offensive messages, a rude comment, or behavior that makes you unsettled, it's better to trust yourself.
Dating Apps Are a Double-Edged Sword
Despite dating platforms being negative and even dangerous, they’re also perfect for meeting a partner. As they say, a good tool in the wrong hands becomes dangerous. The same app that introduces someone to the love of their life can also expose another person to manipulation or harm. It all depends on how the platform is used and who’s on the other end of the conversation.
Approaching online dating with both openessness and caution is important to protect yourself as a woman.
Let's Sum It All Up
The first date after meeting online is always exciting, especially if your online date has made a good impression on you. In fact, many women have found their life partners on dating platforms. However, a first meeting with someone you don't know in real life can be dangerous, especially when the red flags are as clear as day.
So, before you go out with a man, find information about him online, don't tell him your personal information, and talk over a video call. If you do decide to go out, make sure to meet in a public place, tell your family and friends about your plans, pay attention to his behavior, and always trust your intuition.
