Are you single and in pursuit of love and romance? Yeah, there’s something special about meeting someone while picking a flower on a hiking expedition and hitting it off right away – but hey, let’s face it; that rarely happens.
Every couple has the story of how they met, right? From high-school sweethearts to co-workers, but in the 21st century online dating has rewritten the book on how modern couples fall in love.
The overall trend is clear. Online dating is well-established, growing, and it is being used globally by people of all ages.
Did you know according to a recent Match.com survey, 1 in 5 people in a new committed relationship and 1 in 6 couples married during the last three years, met their significant other using an online dating service?
When searching the web you will literally find hundreds of dating sites out there. In terms of revenue, it is the largest industry behind music and gaming sites. Since the first prominent online dating site Match.com was launched in 1995, eHarmony started in 2000, and OkCupid in 2004, and more recently, a wave of people-swiping apps, like Tinder and Hinge, have become wildly popular. According to Online Dating Statistics and Facts, there are 91 million people word wide using dating apps! Whoa!
Truth is online dating has lost much of its stigma with studies showing that this is a good way to meet people. We all want to meet someone nice … someone normal, right? But, what about the creeps and the spammers?
Here’s the thing; meeting people online is not much different from driving a car, yes, it could be dangerous but it doesn’t have to stop us from trying. So, don’t wrinkle your nose just yet at the idea of online dating; put on that metaphorical seatbelt and watch out for the person doing 120 in a 60 zone.
Here are a few safety tips for online dating:
- Never post contact information – no email address, telephone number or financial details.
- Online dating images should only be used for online dating.
- Try a reverse image search via Google to see if photos have been posted elsewhere.
- Always meet in a public place. Stay in a public place.
- Drive yourself to and from a date; never get into a vehicle with someone you don’t know.
- Before you head out, set up your smartphone to share your location with a friend or family – apps such as Moby can let those you trust see where you are at all times.
- Ask a friend to call you during the date to let them know how you’re doing. This could be an escape clause in case the date goes south.
- Stay sober. Alcohol impairs our senses and the last thing you want to say in the morning is “Why did I do that?”
- Keep personal items with you at all times.
- Trust your gut; if something feels off, it probably is.
Online dating can be a great way to meet that someone special, but it is not for everyone. Be prepared to meet plenty of nice, friendly people who you absolutely won’t fancy. Good luck!
Source: www.blogher.com, www.makeuseof.com, lifehacker.com, www.forbes.com, www.pewresearch.org, www.quora.com, www.blackpeoplemeet.com, waitbutwhy.com, www.telegraph.co.uk, www.match.com, www.eharmony.com, www.xojane.com, health.usnews.com, www.psychologytoday.com, www.independent.co.uk, www.womanshealthmag.com
