Digital technology, especially smart devices, have transformed many aspects of our society, including how people meet each other and establish relationships – romantic or otherwise.
Online dating is becoming more popular. With the process inherently requiring users to share personal information, it’s important to consider the potential dangers involved.
Online dating sites such as Match.com, eHarmony.com and Zoosk.com take the traditional matchmaking process online and allow people to meet one another via the internet, with many encounters leading to long-term relationships.
Top dating sites 2020:
1. Match 
The OG dating site reigns supreme with a tried-and-true algorithm and more users than the population of NYC.
2. Hinge 
This modern go-to app for millennials to find a date is chiller than Match but less “Wanna bang?” than Tinder.
3. OkCupid 
Millennials who follow current events will enjoy OkCupid’s Tumblr-esque design and a focus on social issues.
4. eharmony 
Casual or liberal daters might feel smothered here, but straight people who are tired of the chase will love the focus on settling down.
5. AdultFriendFinder 
Live videos and more monthly visitors than eharmony makes AFF great for finding a down-for-anything fling.
6. Bumble
Women are required to make the first move, so it’s great for ladies tired of being bombarded by creepy dudes.
7. Elite Singles
You can speak your love language *and* money language here, but it might be too hit-or-miss for the price.
8. Coffee Meets Bagel
Skip the pressure of *constant* inbox notifications with CMB’s smaller user base and authentic curated matches.
9. Chappy
While Grindr’s whole thing is hookup culture, Chappy is for people who want something more real and verifies users through Facebook.
Connecting With New People Online
Get to know people, take your time and trust your instincts. Act with caution and learn more about someone before contacting him or her outside of the dating site. Dating services run mail and chat so you can get to know people in a safer and controlled way. They do it to protect you, not to make money. Use their platform and the added security it gives.
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Take Your Time:-
Sometimes when you’re excited about someone, your instincts can be confused by strong feelings. Take care and take your time when you talk about yourself. You don’t need to give out your life-story the first time you chat and you shouldn’t. There will be plenty of time to share such details if your relationship develops.
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Be Responsible and do your own Research:-
There is a limit to an online dating provider’s ability to check the backgrounds of users and verify the information they provide. They cannot do a criminal records check on every user. So, do your own research to learn more about someone and make informed decisions before you decide to meet.
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Money Requests Are Your Red Light:-
Why would someone need to borrow money off somebody they have never met, or only just met? There is no reason for anyone to ask you for money or your financial information, whatever sad or sob story they give. Always keep your bank and account information private. Stop all contact immediately and report the matter to the dating site.
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Report Unacceptable or Suspicious Behavior:-
Nobody should have to put up with offensive, insulting and threatening behavior online any more than they should or would if talking to someone in a bar or café. Trust your instincts and immediately stop communicating with anyone who makes you feel uncomfortable or apprehensive.
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Be smart and stay safe:-
Going on a date with someone new is an exciting step in a relationship, but continue being careful. Even if you feel you have become closer to someone via email and phone, you should still remember that this person is largely a stranger to you. Therefore it is important that when meeting someone in person, whether it is your first or fifth date, you take precautions and consider these dos and don’ts.
Seems to be a pocket-sized relationship
online dating provides all the convenience of making it quick and easy to meet people. Plus, it’s an activity that’s available across multiple devices, at all times of day and night.
Our study asked people why they turn to online dating and while half (48%) said they mostly use online dating for fun, other reasons were also evident, with some saying they are looking for more meaningful relationships, and around one-in-ten simply looking for sex (13%).
Risks involved while Dating Online
- Personal safety when meeting someone in person who you met online.
- Stalking and harassment.
- People masquerading as somebody who they are not.
- Spam, selling or fraud, especially romance fraud.
- Webcam blackmail, where fraudsters record things you may do in front of your webcam then use the recording to extort money.
- Phishing emails claiming to be from an online dating site and encouraging you to divulge personal information.
Careful- before Dating Online
It should be checked if the dating site you are using is a member of the Online Dating Association (ODA). Membership means that the site has to commit to an industry code of practice that includes honest communication with users, protecting their privacy and providing a mechanism for reporting abuse. Inclusion of the ODA’s logo on the site indicates membership.
- Never disclose private information on online dating sites.
- Be very careful about how and when you meet people in person.
- Take every precaution that profiles you are looking at are genuine.
- Never be tempted to send or transfer money to people you meet online, however unfortunate their story.
- Play it safe when you meet face-to-face.
Immediately report an objectionable concern
Don’t assume scammers are illiterate foreigners you and others will see through in an instant. Scamming is a pretty sick line of business but it is a business for them. They practice tugging at heartstrings, at showing tenderness or a neediness. They tell people what they want to hear.
If you suspect that someone you’re talking to may be a scammer, stop your communications and immediately report him or her. You should never feel too stupid or ashamed to report someone. You are not the person who should be ashamed and stopped.
All Online Dating Association (ODA) members have to have reporting arrangements to deal with users concerns about a bad experience or suspicious behaviour. Dating site providers want and need to know if there is a problem. They can act to get people off sites immediately to help safeguard you and others. Online dating providers need to know if someone is trying to get hold of your personal information, asking for money or behaving in really inappropriate ways.
Any act of violence or abuse should be reported to your local police. If you have been the victim of a sexual assault and do not want to contact the police, the ODA strongly recommends you contact a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC).
If you have been the victim of actual or attempted fraud, report it to Action Fraud immediately.
