Always Take Precautions When Using Online Dating Sites
Ten or so years ago the thought of meeting someone in person who you met online or over the phone was considered extremely dangerous. I remember my mother warning me not to even use my real name online for fear that someone would find me and do horrible things to me.
These days things are way different. My peer group is always connected online and I usually don't think twice before telling someone my real name. We even use application like Foursquare, Gowalla and others to broadcast where we are or where we're going. Are we being careless with our safety?
When using online dating sites you have a bit more anonymity at first. In your profile you share a few pictures of yourself, your interests, job title and a brief bio of yourself. Then on most sites you're able to browse other people's profiles and eventually chat or message them.
Here are some tips on how to play it safe when online dating:
1. References - I find the best way to make sure someone is interesting and safe is to look at his Facebook profile. I'm not necessarily suggesting you become friends, just check him out. If you have friends in common you can ask those friends if they think he's a good catch for you. Checking out his profile on Facebook also makes it more likely that you'll know what he looks like right now. On dating sites people will often post their best picture of themselves which could be from 10 years ago. With Facebook you can see when the photo was uploaded and also see him in a more real setting if you look at photos he was tagged in.
2. Meet in a well lit, public place - It's a good idea to keep your home address private before you get to know him. Instead of him picking you up at home, ask him to meet you at a local coffee shop and go from there.
3. Don't commit to a meal - This is more about you not wasting your time rather than safety, but it's NOT good idea to plan dinner with someone you've never met. I've made this mistake before and ended up having to eat across from some really boring, annoying, obnoxious people. Tell him you'll meet for drinks and then get a bight after. Ask a friend to call you 15 minutes after the date begins so if he's not your type you can answer it and have an out. Tell him you forgot your friend had asked you to pick her up from the doctor or that your house is on fire. Whatever you need to do to dodge the boring date.
4. Secretly take his picture - This is only really necessary if you're planning on taking the date to the next level from the coffee shop. Most cellphones can take pictures these days. Pretend to need to check a message and snap a photo of him. Text message it to a girlfriend, just in case. Make sure your camera doesn't have a flash though.
5. Tell a friend - It's always a good idea to tell a friend before heading out on a blind date. Not only will she follow up with you and make sure you get home safely, but it also gives you an excuse to gush after the date and tell them all the fun detail.Let him or her know his name, where you're meeting and what time. Also update her if you guys make a move to another location.
 Leora Israel | |
| About the author: | |
A veteran in the social media space, Leora has worked as a professional blogger, editor, online strategist, and more. You'll often find her in front and behind the camera as a nightlife photographer and web personality. She has also spoken at such conferences as SXSW and Blog World Expo. | |
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If you're that concerned and in doubt, don't date them.