Online dating is the perfect way for shy and reserved people to meet their viable partners; the setup is fairly simple. All you would have to do is to register and upload a recent picture or video of yourself, enter relevant information and the dating site, will use its algorithm to pick out a viable partner for you. Once it does, both the users would receive notification of viable match and then they use the platform to further communicate with each other and even set up a date so that they can meet in person. All of that sounds like a dream and in most cases, such online dating sites do help provide an essential service by enabling extremely reclusive couples to meet their viable partners. But of late, the dangers of online dating seem to be on an increase as well.
One of the dangers of online dating is that most of these dating sites utilize little by way of account authentication and verification. So you never know who the other person is since most users lie on their dating profile. But a disturbing trend had shown up on these online dating sites, wherein certain criminal elements had taken to these sites to prey on the vulnerable and the young. In fact, a recent study highlighted the fact that many sexual predators have started moonlighting on these dating sites, in order to prey on the vulnerable. And the fact that the victim is either too young or not aware of her rights or is extremely reclusive often results in the crime going unreported for years on end. Such incidences sadly seem to be on the rise, more so in the last few decades despite the advanced account authentication protocols that the dating sites can use to protect their members.
This is why it is important that you take effective measures to both protect yourself and your loved ones when sharing information with someone through online dating sites like Tinder. You can always ask the other party to provide more information, of the verifiable kind that can help you authenticate his or her identity. And never choose to meet on a blind date, rather try to establish a rapport and discover what you can about the other person before you agree to meet up for a dinner or a movie and always take someone along with you on that first date.
It is important that you are aware of the dangers and limitations of online dating; it is not as if online dating is dangerous and that using such a site can cause you to be attacked. Rather, most online dating sites use little to verify the identity of its users and this can increase your risk of being attacked and taken advantage of, by predators. In the end, you are responsible for your actions and you will have to take additional measures to ensure that you are meeting a real person one who is just looking to connect with you and for a fun date, no more, no less.