Online Dating Safety Tips

Online Dating Safety Tips

  
According to online dating officials, one in five relationships now begin online through dating websites. The rise of the Internet has broken down barriers in communication and connectivity. German psychologist Enrich H. Witte has said, "in less than 10 years [the] Internet will be the main vehicle to find a relationship."
  

This is an exciting time for singles that use online dating websites. However, your personal online dating safety should be your number one priority. The connectivity dating sites offer is great but the anonymity of the Internet can put people at risk. Keep reading to discover online dating safety tips to ensure your personal safety.
 

The first thing you do when you sign up for a web based dating service is build your online dating profile. You need to be cautious about the information you put in your profile. There are free and paid online dating websites and once you publicly display your information, that information is accessible to any of the other members of the site. Do not put any information in your profile more specific than your city. Only list the field your career is in, do not list the actual name of the company that employs you. It is not uncommon for college students to utilize dating websites, but they need to be cautious in talking about what classes they are taking, the gym they work out at, and any other personal information that could enable a stalker to find you. These online dating profile tips can be applied to anyone who uses the Internet to find an online date.
 

A preventive safety measure to utilize before meeting someone you met through an online dating website is to have them send you a picture doing something specific. For example, have them hold up a quarter in their right hand and a nickel in their left and then send the picture to you. I know it may sound a little comical but the person should be more than happy to accommodate you if the two of you have actually established a personal connection. If people refuse to do this for you they do not care about establishing trust, which should be the foundation for any relationship.
 

Do not rush into meeting someone you found online. Get to know them first. When you do first meet make sure that the location is public. Coffee shops, familiar bars, and patio cafes are great ideas for your first online / "offline" date experience.
 

The anonymity of the Internet can put you at risk when using an online dating website. However, it's no more dangerous than meeting a stranger while you are out at happy hour. You have to exercise reasonable caution. People can present their best sides very easily on the Internet. Make sure to tell your friends where you are going before going on a date with someone you met online. It is not a bad idea to ask them to come along. A third person present can be beneficial for both of you just from a conversational standpoint and it makes sure that you are safe.
 

The vast majority of people on online dating websites are legitimate singles who really do have an interest in meeting someone with whom they share common interests. However, there are online dating scammers out there. These people use online dating services to play hazardous games where innocent single are the victims. If anyone ever asks you to use another outside service as "identity verification" that requires a credit card and personal information never give that information to them.
 

Online dating websites are the future of dating. These services allow you to get to know someone before you make any sort of commitment. If you do not like the way the relationship is going you can simply quit talking to them. Always be careful before giving out personal information including your phone.