How to stay safe on dating apps

91 percent of college students use dating apps. For every left and right swipe, each of those 91 percent should be safe to cuff or hook up consensually. It should go without saying that safety should take priority. 

Four of the most popular dating apps, Tinder, Bumble, Hinge, and OkCupid, have taken steps to produce as many safe meetups as possible. You may not be able to dictate a person’s actions, but you should be able to protect yourself. 

Under their respective dating tips, dating websites mention withholding any money and financial information, as people may claim to be in an emergency when they really are not. Once a wire transfer has been made, it is nearly impossible to reverse or trace it.  

Another tip is to protect your personal information. Specific aspects of your daily routine are not to be given out indiscriminately. Also, everything ranging from your home address to your social security number shouldn’t be revealed either. 

Dating sites suggest keeping the conversation on the app. They have safety precautions such as safe message filters that scan for harmful or illegal behavior; the point being that people should get to know someone first before moving the conversation out of a place designed to keep interactions safe. 

One way people can be safe is by staying wary of long distance and overseas relationships. People can claim to be stuck somewhere and need financial assistance to leave. These dating apps specify that if someone is hesitant to meet in person or even call, they may not be who they say they are. 

We all have listened to our gut at some point in our lives — for online dating, it should not be any different. If something seems strange or someone crosses a line, block them and report it to the service. 

After doing all the vetting you deem appropriate, you may want to meet up in person. However, do not rush. Safety tips say that people should take their time before moving the conversation off any app. Be on the lookout for any red flags. 

“I think it’s better to date in person, but in my case I checked out the online dating world because of COVID[-19] and it was ok,” says Elmhurst University junior political science major, George Willer. “I ended up going out with one girl I met online. In my opinion, it’s best to start with small talk and slowly get to know the person without getting into deep and personal things that could stir someone away from you.”

It will be both parties’ safest bet to meet in a public place and to stay in a public place. If the date pressures you to any private spot such as their home, end the date. 

David Castaneda, EU junior sports management major says, “don’t give out personal information, take it slow, meet in a public place.”

EU senior psychology and philosophy major Elizabeth Hynes says, “for me when I’m meeting, usually what I do when I’m meeting someone for the first time or in person is to try to meet in a public area.” 

If at any point the decision to meet up has been made, make sure to tell friends and family members your plans and where you are going.

“I will also always text my friends and family. If I’m going to meet this person I don’t know, then I’ll just share my location with [them].” Hynes said. “When you’re meeting someone for the first time, it’s good to be aware. I need to watch out for my safety.”

Having planned to meet up with an online date, be in control of your own transportation. If something happens, people should be able to leave whenever they want. Either driving yourself or having a backup plan (such as a friend to drive or a ride-share app) will be helpful. 

Drugs and alcohol can impair judgment and their effects vary from person to person. If the date pressures you into consuming drugs or drinking more than you are comfortable with, do not be afraid to hold your ground and end the date. 

Most dating safety tips advise users of their apps to always know where their drinks are coming from and where their drink is at all times. Make sure drinks are directly poured by the server or the bartender. As a general rule of thumb, keep personal items on at all times as well.

It is also important to know that anyone can change their mind at any time. If you feel uncomfortable, you have every right to leave. No one has dominion over anything you do, so no one should be pressured to stay. Get up and go if you want. 

For some, it may be safer to swipe right on someone if that person may know someone you yourself know. Keely Mulcahy, a senior psychology major, says, “I won’t go out with someone unless I know someone who knows them.” 

No matter your sexual orientation, everyone is entitled to safe travel. However, dating apps acknowledge that no area is without potential risk. Some countries have developed laws that target people from the LGBTQ+ community, even going as far as criminalizing dating-related communication between same-sex individuals. 

These countries have been known to use law enforcement to act as members for entrapment. Most apps have a toggle option to prevent users from showing their location. These apps suggest utilizing it if anyone decides to connect with people in these countries. Exercise extra caution and look up laws in the area. 

Consent, consent, consent — protect yourself and potential sexual partners. Dating apps advise people to know their status regarding STIs. Communication with sexual partners is key. No one is owed sex and consent can be withdrawn at anytime. Check in routinely. Do not proceed if your partner is uncomfortable, unsure, or if they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.