Hey there, lovely readers! 👋

Are you thinking of trying online dating in hopes of finding that special someone? While it can be an exciting and convenient way to meet people, it’s also important to take safety precautions to protect yourself from cyber harassment.

Cyber harassment can come in many forms, such as unwanted messages, explicit photos, and even stalking. It’s crucial to defend yourself against these forms of harassment to ensure your online dating experience stays safe and enjoyable. In this blog, we’ll go over some best practices to help you do just that.

Don’t Share Personal Information Too Soon 🙅

It’s important not to overshare personal information, especially when you’re just getting to know someone online. Information like your full name, home address, or workplace can be used against you by cyber harassers.

Take the time to get to know someone before sharing any personal details. Trust your instincts and if something feels off, don’t hesitate to cut off contact.

A person thinking while looking at a computer screen

Choose Your Platform Wisely 📱

Not all dating apps and websites are created equal. Do your research and choose a platform that has a good reputation for safety and security measures. Make sure you read the platform’s privacy policy and terms of use.

Be wary of apps that require access to a lot of personal data and avoid downloading apps from unknown sources. Stick to reputable, well-known platforms and always update your app to the latest version to ensure any security bugs have been fixed.

A person looking at various dating apps on their phone

Use a Different Email Address for Online Dating 📧

Using a separate email address for online dating is a smart safety practice. This way, you can keep your personal and work email separate and avoid giving out too much information.

Create a free email account specifically for online dating, one that doesn’t have any identifying information, like your name or date of birth.

An email inbox with separate folders for work, personal, and dating

Stay Within the Platform 🌐

Many dating apps and websites have messaging systems built-in, which can protect your personal phone number or email from potential cyber harassers.

Be cautious of anyone who tries to steer the conversation off-platform. Some users may ask for your phone number or email to take communication elsewhere. If you’re not comfortable with this, it’s best to cut off contact and report the user to the platform.

A person typing on a phone and a laptop showing a dating app with a messaging system

Trust Your Gut 🤔

Most important of all is to always listen to your gut instincts. If something feels off, take precautions to protect yourself. Trust your intuition, and don’t hesitate to report any harassing or suspicious behavior to the platform’s support team.

Online dating should be a fun and stress-free way to meet new people. By following these safety tips, you can safeguard yourself against cyber harassment and enjoy a safe, successful online dating experience.

A person putting their hand to their chin, looking thoughtful

Stay safe out there, folks! 👍