Is Online Dating Safe?
Frankie,
I have heard some horror stories about bad experiences with online dating. Is it unsafe to date someone you meet online?
Terrified in Victoria
Dear Terri:
Online dating can be a fun and effective way of meeting other singles, but it does present challenges.
While most singles take precautionary measures when dating strangers, online daters need to deal with ‘virtual intimacy’, often resulting in a false sense of security. Just because you have bared your soul, doesn’t mean you know that person or should drop your guard. On the contrary – singles should be especially vigilant about maintaining their boundaries, just like you would on any first date, testing the real person against the ‘online persona’.
Crucial online dating tips:
1. Schedule a Face-to-Face meeting as soon as possible. Find out sooner than later whether your cyber attraction translates well into the physical world.
2. Trust your instincts. If something doesn't seem right, don’t ignore it. Ask questions about anything that doesn’t seem right.
3. Don’t Provide your Personal Information. Use a free email account and never provide your home or work telephone numbers (it is easy to find an address through a telephone number).
4. Take your Time and Get to Know the Person. Let the relationship develop slowly while screening and testing for compatibility and inconsistencies.
5. Report any Threats. Don’t hesitate to report any threats or harassment to the police and the online dating service.
I have heard some horror stories about bad experiences with online dating. Is it unsafe to date someone you meet online?
Terrified in Victoria
Dear Terri:
Online dating can be a fun and effective way of meeting other singles, but it does present challenges.
While most singles take precautionary measures when dating strangers, online daters need to deal with ‘virtual intimacy’, often resulting in a false sense of security. Just because you have bared your soul, doesn’t mean you know that person or should drop your guard. On the contrary – singles should be especially vigilant about maintaining their boundaries, just like you would on any first date, testing the real person against the ‘online persona’.
Crucial online dating tips:
1. Schedule a Face-to-Face meeting as soon as possible. Find out sooner than later whether your cyber attraction translates well into the physical world.
2. Trust your instincts. If something doesn't seem right, don’t ignore it. Ask questions about anything that doesn’t seem right.
3. Don’t Provide your Personal Information. Use a free email account and never provide your home or work telephone numbers (it is easy to find an address through a telephone number).
4. Take your Time and Get to Know the Person. Let the relationship develop slowly while screening and testing for compatibility and inconsistencies.
5. Report any Threats. Don’t hesitate to report any threats or harassment to the police and the online dating service.
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